Interview: Ivana Miletić
Luca Curci talks with Ivana Miletić during VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2019 at Palazzo Ca’ Zanaradi.

Ivana was born in Split, Croatia on 28 August 1973. She holds a Ph.D. degree in Fisheries and currently she works as diplomat in Bruxelles, Belgium. She uses photography to express her love for nature and to satisfy her natural curiosity. Photography is an ideal tool in helping her to express her views of the unseen reality and the hidden knowledge. She shows particular interest in the fine art and travel photography. So far, she has held ten individual exhibitions and her works has been accepted to forty-six photography salons under FIAP patronage in twenty-two countries all around the world. She presented her works on Clio Art Fair 2019 in New York and Venice International Art Fair in Venezia, Italy. She holds the AFIAP title; “The Artist” from International Federation of Photographic Art. (Artiste FIAP). She has won many international awards, of which we single out two FIAP gold medal, one FIAP silver medal and nine Honourable Mentions (ribbons).

Luca Curci – What’s your background?
Ivana Miletić – I was born in Split, Croatia 1973. I have Ph.D. degree in Fisheries and currently I’m working as a diplomat in Bruxelles, Belgium. Photography has always been the focus of my interest, since my childhood, but I have started taking photos intensively around 20 years ago. So far, I have held ten individual exhibitions and my works have been accepted to forty-six photography exhibition salons under FIAP patronage in twenty-two countries all around the world. I received the AFIAP title; “The Artist” from International Federation of Photographic Art. (Artiste FIAP). I have won many international awards, of which I would single out two FIAP gold medal, one FIAP silver medal and nine Honourable Mentions (ribbons). I present m works on the web page www.ivana-miletic.com

LC – Which subject are you working on? Did your style change over the years? In which way?
IM – Since I was born and raised by the sea I have always been surrounding surrounded by beautiful nature and unique seascapes. Therefore, the moments of perfect morning silence, the fishermen return from the sea and game of seagulls would instantly capture my attention. I’m using photography to express my love for nature and to satisfy my natural curiosity. Photography is an ideal tool in helping me to express my views of the unseen reality and my hidden wisdom. But my artistic expression was developing as the time passed and I was able to notice beauty in the every day life, during my travels or while walking along the streets of numerous places I have visited. Then I dedicated myself to developing a sense of street and travel photography. And the final step of my evolution in the world of photography was the study of human characters, thoughts and feelings. Then I started with the project ” She’s”. I was inspired and powered by a challenge that a female model can deliver – by their self-confidence, their ability to transform consciousness and personality in the way they want and when they want it. While examining a face of a woman model I try capturing the spontaneous changes of her facial expressions. This association at that moment might be in accordance with something or someone I have already seen, and they had found a place in my subconscious. Following this thought, I thought that the female character in its richness of possible associations can have a thousand faces. Some of these faces I “recognized” in my models, I discovered them within my own mind, and I’ve given them the characteristics of my own thoughts.

LC – What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
IM – During one photo session with my friend Andrea, she asked me what pose she should take, and I spontaneously told her: “Be seagull”. At that point her attitude and appearance reminded me of a seagull. Although the topic of this session was completely different subject, it got transformed during the project. As she swung her arms “Seagull Woman” was born. This was when I decided to continue in a similar way, and I developed this project. That was the crucial moment that has influenced my further work on the project with woman models.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays?
IM – Being an artist today is the same as it always has been, so now and forever it will be difficult to be an artist. Artists are often misunderstood, it is very difficult to break through, to prove yourself and to become successful. I think it is difficult to survive and prosper as an artist. Many famous and today well-known artists have died in poverty. Nothing has changed to this day. Is the artist the one who sells his works and commercializes his work, or can we consider that artist is anyone who creates something creative? My art is my second parallel life and when I live it, my deepest feelings emerge out of me.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich yourself and your art?
IM – I like to hear the opinions of visitors and viewers. It is interesting to know how they experienced my work, because they do not know how that work was created, nor what triggered me to make it.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?
IM – The Venice International Art Fair is designed for all artist no matter what media their use to express themselves.

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the festival’s theme?
IM – I have presented myself with four black and white fine art photography. They were created in different cities and they portray different life situations.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
IM – I would recommend to all artists who want to show their works to the wide international audience, to join this festival.

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
IM – I consider that the organizers and all the collaborators of this project did an outstanding and professional work.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
IM – The organization and preparation itself are performed with great care and equal attention is paid to each individual artist. I found this festival was prepared at a very high professional level. Venezia is the city of culture and art with a long history of hosting various arts and cultural events and I’m proud to have been a part of it this year.