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Prometheus and Atlas | ARTLECTURE
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The audience standing in the Palazzo Mora Garden might be contemplating, 'Which one am I? Stretched or Pressured?' There isn’t a human on Earth who hasn’t experienced one of these sensations at some point in their lives, making it everyone’s story and thus, a universal experience. - Nikola Vudrag

In the intimate entrance of ECC’s Palazzo Mora, two colossal titans in Corten steel stand. They are two sculptural guardians of the threshold created by Croatian artist Nikola Vudrag (b. 1989), representing mythical rebel titans Prometheus and Atlas. Their monumental presence watches over this liminal stage, setting a contemplative, enigmatic, and thought-provoking dialogue with visitors who cross the Palazzo's path. 

Curated by Metamorphosis Art Projects (London, UK) in the context of the 60th Venice Biennale 2024, Prometheus and Atlas displays a powerful interpretation of the myth and the timeless human struggle for freedom and progress. Drawing parallels between the mythological damnations of Prometheus and Atlas and contemporary challenges, these towering sculptures symbolically portray the conflicting pressures shaping our lives and the perseverance in dealing with them. 

The crafted Corten steel sculptures embody a precarious balance, intensified by the enclosed space of the garden and the symmetrical setting, like two sphinxes. According to MAP’s curators, the Prometheus and Atlas offer “a personal reflection on the contemporary issues of the human condition through the prism of Vudrag's creative vision”, mirroring the inherent tenacity of their material.

Vudrag's imagery is deeply interdisciplinary. As a modern humanist, he merges philosophy and humanities into contemporary iconographies and traditional metalworking techniques. In Prometheus, the rebel-titan who daringly stole fire from Gods to give it to humans is symbolically represented by his doom: the robust chain that subjugated him. In Atlas, condemned by Zeus to carry the world's weight on his shoulders, is transformed into a hand that laboriously holds the burden of a fluted classical column. The two hands—one stretched, the other pressured—epitomize the effort to uphold ideals amidst ever-changing social trends and dominant tensions.

Prometheus and Atlas pay homage to the industrial strength of Corten steel, a raw medium that Vudrag, born into a family of skilled metalsmiths in Varaždin, skillfully works, creating solid structures caught in a situation of strenuous structural instability. The installation designed for ECC's Palazzo Mora represents a valuable milestone in the artist's career, currently exhibiting at Dubai Jetex with his project Seven Realms and among the artists selected for the upcoming Malta Biennale 2024. According to Neven Bosilj, Mayor of Varaždin, the talents of Nikola Vudrag “enriches the dynamism, innovation, diversity and global recognition of the city’s cultural scene” and displays “a unique connection between Varaždin past, present and future”.

The purposeful site-specific installation triggers an urgent reflection on contemporary existence, marked by precariousness, vulnerability, and daring acts of individual and collective resilience; ‘a narrative etched in steel’ that invites the public to reflect on the enduring pursuit of balance and stability of humans. Celebrating the titans, those who dare, Prometheus and Atlas aims to inspire viewers to become agents of transformation in their own lives and communities. Prometheus and Atlas, guardians of the threshold, become two guides that encourage crossing the door to embark on a mythical odyssey together.

  Accepted  2024-04-13 08:25

*This program is subject to change by the Organizer's reasons, so please refer to the website or the Organizer's notice for more information.
All images/words © the artist(s) and organization(s)

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Activity Area : Open Studio

Contacts/Email : Exhibition of the Croatian sculptor Nikola Vudrag at ECC during the 60th Venice Biennale..

The Launcher


Born 1989 in Croatia, Nikola Vudrag was drawn to the arts at a very young age, working alongside his father and grandfather who were both metalworkers. This early exposure to metalworking sparked his interest in the medium, and he has been creating metal sculptures ever since.

Vudrag's work is characterized by its intricate details and monumental designs. His sculptures are often inspired by nature and science. He likes to incorporate elements of geometry, mathematics, and physics into his sculptures, often using these concepts to create complex and intricate designs. He also draws inspiration from philosophical and mythological ideas, which he weaves into his sculptures, giving them deeper meaning and significance.

Nikola Vudrag's journey as an artist began when he finished gymnasium and decided to pursue his passion for the arts. He enrolled in the Academy of Applied Arts in Rijeka, Croatia, where he honed his skills in various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and graphic design.

After his studies in Rijeka, Vudrag continued his education at the Zagreb Academy of Fine Arts. In his final year Vudrag had the opportunity to study abroad at the Anhalt University of Applied Science in Germany. 

Although he made a lot of memorial monuments, busts, portraits, medals, Croatian national circulating and commemorative coins AND models for Croatian euro coins, He also exhibited in various galleries mostly in Paris and aroun Europe. He had the opportunity to work on large-scale projects, which helped him develop his skills in creating monumental sculptures.

Vudrag also embarked on his artistic journey by specializing in the intricate and rare profession of medal design, showcasing his talent as a medalist. Despite his grander projects, his coin prototypes, each no taller than 1.2mm in relief, are skillfully engraved in negative forms. His expertise lies in crafting microrealism and hyperrealism, with subjects ranging from detailed portraits to architectural marvels, delicate flora and fauna, and abstract designs. Vudrag's skill and attention to detail have earned him the esteemed title of an "A1" class medalist globally, solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft in the world of medal and coin design.

Author of the “75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, 1945–2020” silver coin, denomination 150 Croatian kunas, gold and silver coins “350th Anniversary of the Founding of the University of Zagreb, 1669 – 2019”, denomination 500 and 150 Croatian kunas, “Dalmatian” gold and silver coins, denomination 10, 50 and 1.000 Croatian kunas, Executive author of the euro and cent circulation coins for the national side of the Republic of Croatia, "Glagolitic Alphabet" on the reverse of the 5, 2, and 1 cent coins, "Nikola Tesla" on the reverse of the 50, 20, and 10 cent coins, technical assistant in “Kuna” on the reverse of the 1 euro coins and "Croatia map” on the reverse of the 2 euro coins, 2022. author of croatian commemorative 2 euro coin 2023.




Contacts/Email : Exhibition of the Croatian sculptor Nikola Vudrag at ECC during the 60th Venice Biennale