Once again, I AMerican

curated by Sergio Gomez

Argonne June 28, -September 15, 2017

opening reception July 12, 2017 4-6 pm

This Wednesday, July 12th, is the opening of the I AMerican at the Argonne National Laboratory. This exhibition was first displayed in 2014 at the Water Street Studios, in Batavia, where I used to have my studio, and the show has been traveling since then.

I am showing my ceramic installation “Gathering” as well as two of my “Origin” watercolors.

The exhibit aims to explore the intricate meaning of being an American from the eyes of a variety of artists of diverse cultural experiences.

My here exhibited vessels are a fraction of a larger body of work united under a single title "Gathering". 

These pieces are deeply rooted in my reminiscence of childhood, and the place of my hometown Vinkovci, in Croatia, where I used to spend weekends at my grandparent's house. To me these vessels are both a connection to my childhood and homeland, as well as in a way, a recreation of the time past. 

The city where I was born, Vinkovci, in Croatia, is rich with archeological findings. Many of these are intricately engraved ceramic vessels from the Vučedol culture, one that resided there from 3000-2200 BC.  Additionally, down the street from our house lived an old potter whose entire garden was covered with masterful and simple vessels. I remember often watching him work and procuring some clay to play with. My everyday exposure to these various ceramic objects – the ones I saw in the museum and the ones from down the street alike, created in me a sense of continuity, and connection with the soil.

Once I had moved to the United States, eleven years ago, these childhood memories started becoming more vivid and a sense of broken connection replaced the previous feelings of continuity and familiarity.

For me, the act of creation of these small vessels, very primal and intimate, as well as the process of their accumulation, evokes my childhood and is a reflection of an underlying search for reconstitution of what is familiar and comforting.

Here is what Sergio Gomez, the exhibit’s curator says about it:

"The “I AM American Exhibition” is not a single perspective on immigration or ethnicity. Instead, using a variety of styles, visual forms, symbols and metaphors, each work provides a wide angle view into the bi-cultural experience.

Some of the artists are first-, second- or third-generation immigrants. Others can trace their heritage back to the Native American Indians. In that sense, this non-literal exhibition on the American experience provides the viewer with ample room for conversation and personal interpretation.

Some works directly approach the theme of identity, while others delve into other subjects related to the American experience. Ultimately, this exhibit explores the meaning of being “American.”"