Nestled away on a little bay on the Adriatic Sea, Ljubomir Popadic comes from a part of the world vaguely familiar to us, local historic ports where weary sailors have rested through the centuries, a place with a unique and rich history.

Born in Zrenjanin in 1961, he was destined to paint. He graduated from the prestigious Academy of Fine Art in Novi Sad in the former Yugoslavia at a time when the local art trends dictated by government depicted a somber, abstract, and modern vision – not something that spoke to his heart. Today he is an admired academician and member of ULUCG – Association of Visual Artist of Montenegro with a number of major European exhibits to his credit.

He explores classical still life painting that conveys the deep tradition of the Balkans. Weathered maps hung on old walls, a room dimply lit by candlelight, a skilled compass maker or sea captain with his memories scattered about. Some compositions are as simple as an arrangement of fruit or a collection of woven baskets or kilims with regional motifs. In other paintings, one finds historically accurate objects connected to life at sea; maps, scopes, uniforms, and compasses meticulously depicted – so much so that one never tires of examining them. These are the riches of Ljubomir Popadic which we invite you to explore.

Currently $1,000 to $5,000