Dragan Strukelj is an artist originally from Bosnia and now based in New York. He is currently the artist-in-residence in the home of collector Kim Manocherian (you can read the interview here). His works are candid and full of movement – but a movement that is somewhat uncomfortable, demanding a visceral level of introspection from the viewer. The Art Collector asked Strukelj about his art and foray into the art world.
Can you tell us about your journey as an artist?
I was a professional dancer in Bosnia and always had a desire to pursue art. I applied to the art academy in my hometown and was accepted. However, six months into the program, I received an invitation to move to NYC as a dance teacher.
Living in New York had always been a dream of mine, so I couldn’t turn down the opportunity, which temporarily put my artistic journey on hold.
During the pandemic, with teaching no longer an option, I decided to revisit painting. For a while, I was experimenting with different mediums and searching for my own voice and about two years ago, I finally felt that I had found it through painting.
How important is the artist:collector relationship to you?
The artist collector relationship is very important to me, and I believe it is for many artists. I would want those who collect my work to connect with my story. Ideally, I hope they can feel the emotions I’ve conveyed through my art.
While it’s not necessary for them to know my personal story, I would love for the work to evoke emotions in them and perhaps resonate with their own personal narrative.
Do you work in different mediums apart from oil and acrylic?
I sometimes work with watercolors and pastels, graphite, charcoal.
The art scene is Bosnia and the USA are worlds apart. What are some of the things you like
about both? What are some of the things you would like to change?
The art scene in Bosnia has a lot of talented artists, but the art market doesn’t support them in a way that helps them gain visibility, unless they go abroad or are represented by a gallery outside of Bosnia.
During the 90s, especially with the outbreak of war, culture was centered on survival, and as a result, art collecting was not a priority for most people. However, many incredible Bosnian artists have succeeded internationally.
While there is immense talent in both Bosnia and the USA, the opportunities for artists are much more abundant in the US. That said, even here, many talented artists still face challenges. It’s incredibly difficult to break into the art world and find opportunities for your work to be seen.
If I could change anything, I would eliminate vanity galleries that charge artists to exhibit their work but don’t actively promote them or help establish their careers. I don’t agree with taking advantage of people who are trying to make a name for themselves, especially just for profit.
Who is your contemporary art world ‘crush’ (artist that you would like to know or collect their works)?
There are many artists that I admire and would love to collect. I go to many fairs and museums and enjoy seeing other artist’s work. It’s hard to narrow it down to one artist but to mention a few – Marlene Dumas, Lenz Geerk, Michael Borremans.
Should art be political?
Art should be honest. If it comes from an authentic place, I don’t see a problem with it. Art is what the artist creates, and if the artist’s intent is to spark conversation or express a viewpoint that they genuinely feel or experience, they have the right to convey that message. There should
be no censorship in art.
If you could have dinner with one artist – alive or dead – who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with Francis Bacon. I’d be very curious to see if his personality matches the intensity in his paintings. I definitely would not say no if he wanted to give me a painting. That’s one of the artists I would like to collect.
