Vladimir Velickovic
Vladimir Velickovic (1935-2019) was a notable Serbian painter and a major figure in contemporary European art. Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, he completed his studies at the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Belgrade in 1960. Despite his background in architecture, Velickovic chose to follow his passion for painting and drawing, gaining recognition for his intense and often unsettling imagery.
His first solo exhibition was organized by the Museum of Modern Art in Belgrade in 1963. He won the First Prize for Painting at the 1965 Paris Biennial and relocated to Paris the following year. Alongside Dado and Ljuba Popovic, Velickovic was one of the three Yugoslav painters who moved to Paris post-war and achieved international acclaim. His work was introduced to critics and the public by the Galerie du Dragon in 1967, establishing him as a pioneer of Narrative Figuration.
Velickovic's work is deeply entwined with the evolution of both local and European art scenes. His early works reflected the post-surrealist tendencies of the late 1950s. In the 1960s, his style evolved with the New Figuration movement, and after his move to Paris in 1966, he became a key figure in the French Narrative Figuration. By the 1980s, his rising international career saw him associated with the postmodernist citation strategy.
Vladimir Velickovic - Hommage to the cube. Screenprinting. 80 x 79 cm.
His art is marked by a dramatic and intense style, often portraying violence, suffering, and existential distress. Velickovic's paintings commonly feature fragmented human forms, animals, and dynamic compositions that evoke movement and tension, mirroring his personal experiences and the turbulent history of the Balkan region.
From 1983 to 2000, Veličković served as a professor at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He was also a member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Académie des Beaux-Arts–Institut de France, receiving honors as a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et Lettres and a Knight of the Légion d’Honneur.
A unique figure in the art world, Velickovic’s identity spanned Serbian, Yugoslav, French, and European cultures. He challenged and expanded the perception of Yugoslav art and left an enduring impact on the post-Yugoslav art scene. Widely regarded as the most important Serbian painter of his era, Velickovic was also a pivotal figure in French art, with both countries shaping his artistic journey.
Vladimir Velickovic - January 2001. Screenprinting. 25 x 33 cm.
The intense and dramatic world of Vladimir Velickovic
The Narrative Figuration movement was a groundbreaking figurative style that emerged in France during the 1960s, a period marked by intense international conflict. The Cold War, the Algerian War, and the Vietnam War generated shocking images in the media, while the rise of consumer society brought an explosion of advertising imagery. This era also saw a vibrant artistic scene with the proliferation of cinema, video art, comics, Pop Art, and New Realism. Like their American counterparts, artists in the Narrative Figuration movement focused on contemporary society and its imagery.
The artists of Narrative Figuration chose to depict themes reflecting global tensions and the rise of consumerist imagery through their paintings. Although the movement itself was never formally declared, the "Daily Mythologies" exhibition marked its emergence as a significant artistic force.
Vladimir Velickovic, who made his Paris debut at the Dragon Gallery in 1967, is often linked to Narrative Figuration. While his work aligns with the movement’s focus on contemporary imagery, Velickovic stood out as a unique figure within the movement. His art, influenced by Eadweard Muybridge’s studies of movement, diverged from the movement’s typical themes. Instead, Velickovic’s work, infused with Christian iconography and themes of agony, crucifixions, and death, offered a stark and poignant exploration of human suffering.
Vladimir Velickovic’s art is defined by its visceral intensity and dramatic visual language. His paintings often depict scenes of violence, suffering, and existential dread, reflecting both personal experiences and the broader historical and social context of his era. Velickovic’s style emphasizes the human body, frequently portraying it in fragmented, tortured, or disfigured forms to explore themes of pain, mortality, and human fragility. He also incorporates animals, particularly dogs and birds, as symbols of aggression, survival, and primal instincts. Known for dynamic compositions that suggest movement and tension, Velickovic’s work conveys a sense of urgency and emotional intensity, evoking feelings of despair and the struggle for meaning in a chaotic world.
His fluid line drawings and dramatic paintings use a limited palette of black, gray, white, and red to depict human and animal suffering. Velickovic’s signature sharp, defined lines often illustrate the tortured bodies of both people and animals, representing what he saw as a harsh and unavoidable reality. These tormented figures and symbolic animals reflect his deep philosophical understanding and critique of cultural divisions.
Vladimir Velickovic - Descente (Homme de Muybridge), 1994. Screenprinting. 50 x 35 cm.
A master draftsman, Velickovic’s meticulous line work and use of a monochromatic palette underscore the stark, somber tone of his art, with occasional red accents highlighting blood and violence. He frequently employed mixed media techniques to create complex, layered surfaces.
Velickovic’s international exhibitions and numerous awards reflect his significant impact on contemporary European art. As a professor at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he mentored a new generation of artists, solidifying his legacy in the art world. Velickovic’s work remains a poignant exploration of human existence, admired for its emotional depth, technical mastery, and unflinching examination of life's darker aspects.
Vladimir Velickovic - Untitled, 1998. Lithograph. 98 x 61 cm.
Celebrated artworks by Vladimir Velickovic
Vladimir Velickovic is renowned for his profound exploration of existential themes through visceral and intense visual narratives. His oeuvre includes several iconic works that encapsulate his mastery of dynamic composition and emotional depth. One of his most celebrated pieces is “Triptyque” (Triptych), which explores themes of fragmentation and existential struggle through a dramatic three-panel composition. This work captures the raw emotional power of his art, depicting intense scenes of suffering and conflict.
Another significant piece is “The Runner”, which exemplifies Velickovic’s ability to convey movement and tension. The fragmented figure in motion reflects themes of struggle and escape, demonstrating his skill in creating dynamic and evocative imagery. In “The Executioner”, Velickovic presents a powerful representation of violence and suffering, depicting a figure wielding a weapon amidst chaos and destruction. This painting showcases his talent for conveying intense emotional and physical turmoil.
“Crucifixion” is a recurring theme in Velickovic’s work, where he explores Christian iconography through the depiction of Christ’s suffering. The painting’s dramatic composition and use of dark tones underscore themes of agony and redemption. Another dramatic work, “The Last Judgement”, depicts the apocalyptic theme of divine retribution and human fate. The painting’s bold lines and stark contrasts enhance the emotional impact of this depiction of final judgement.
He also created a series of renowned paintings dedicated to crows. Velickovic frequently featured crows in his work, using them as powerful symbols. These birds often represented themes of death, decay, and the darker aspects of human existence. Their depiction added a layer of menace and foreboding to his paintings, aligning with his focus on suffering and existential dread.
In Velickovic’s works, crows are often shown in dramatic, dynamic compositions—sometimes in flight, other times perched or attacking. Their black forms starkly contrast with his predominantly monochromatic palettes, emphasizing their ominous presence. These birds are not just background elements but active participants in the narrative, reinforcing themes of violence and mortality that permeate his art.
These notable works reflect Velickovic’s exploration of existential themes and his unique approach to depicting human experience, making a lasting impact on contemporary art.
Vladimir Velickovic’s work is represented in many prestigious public collections around the world. His art can be found at major institutions such as Tate Britain in London, Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Chicago. His pieces are also held at notable venues including the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, The Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade, and the Museo de Arte Moderna in Rio de Janeiro. Velickovic’s work is featured in collections at the Musée d’Art Moderne in Strasbourg, the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in Oslo, and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid. His art is also part of the permanent collections at the Museum of Modern Art in Skopje and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk.
Selena Mattei
