Page 191 - Maxim_Painting_Monograph
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Njegoš is depicted not merely as the striking figure he undeniably is, but also as a symbol of Montenegrin leadership, adorned with his dis- tinct insignia. Yet, beneath the emblematic her- oism, there resides a heart brimming with sen- sitivity, contemplation, and compassion. The artist, Maxim, conveys these layers of complex- ity through the portrayal of Njegoš’s eyes. They do not gleam with suspicion or fixate on tangi- ble entities; instead, they veer slightly sideways, lost in expansive contemplation, exploring ab- stract dimensions. They emit emotions and navigate through intricate queries, discarding the superficial and delving profoundly into the enigma of existence.
These eyes are not caught in passive abstrac- tion but are actively engaged in the realm of vi- sion, perceiving the unseen and the incompre- hensible, tapping into the unspoken and unseen facets of existence, akin to discovering the un- seen side of the moon. They seem to anticipate the unforeseen, reflecting concern for the pro- found destinies of his people. Every element of this portrait echoes the unprecedented percep- tiveness and sensitivity of the artist bishop. Each rendition of him feels like a venture be- yond established boundaries, a dance of colors, lines, landscapes, and human forms. It’s as if Maxim is enamored with every stroke and hue, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. We might be witnessing the inception of an ar- tistic journey, an ascent aiming to redefine the realms of high painting! — Stamatis Skliris
Visions of Transcendent Leadership the Enigmatic Njegoš, acrylic on canvas, 2023
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