Welcome to the November issue of Croats in London.

This month, we have an interview with Mladen Peric about his ‘healing Colours’ photographic exhibition at the Croatian Embassy, where a selection of his impressive and imaginative pictures for the Maudsley Hospital are on display. Peric has been exhibited at institutions such as the Royal College of Arts and the Royal Festival Hall. He is a graduate of the University of Westminster in Photography and Multimedia and studied Philosophy and Literature at the University of Sarajevo.

Interview with Mladen Peric

Can you tell us something about your background?

I was born, in Ljubuski, Herzegovina. I studied and lived in Sarajevo, then Dubrovnik
then Frankfurt and for the last decade I have been in London.

I studied philosophy and literature (Sarajevo) which helps me in this medium
(photography).

How did you get involved in this project?

This project was commissioned by the Maudsley Hospital and so I started
constructing the proposal using flowers, colours and shades, to create something
that would have a positive impact on our minds. I started shooting at Kew Gardens - the perfect place. It’s a huge challenge. Flowers are beautiful to start with and can be done in a postcard type image, which I am trying to avoid.

What is the philosophy behind this?

The final images when put in proper order are to influence us to feel better. At least to feel more relaxed and to appreciate colours and images. That should have a positive effect.

In particular, it’s meant to help a hospital, so they have a need for something more positive for their patients. It’s creating a healthy environment. It’s based on Eastern philosophy and tradition; the seven basic colours that are needed for our well being.

It plays also on conditions of love and peace.

This project is creating spiritual space.

What will your next project be?

The next project will is my postgraduate research at Laban, on dancing. I will be recording visual energy through some special instruments and through collaboration with a choreographer create something not seen before.

Which of these pictures is your favourite?

I’m still not happy with some, so I am still working on them. My favourite is called ‘Peace’ (pictured). I just like the composition of the delivery of the image. There is more energy there. It’s my favourite because I feel like I have finished that picture.

The exhibition should be going to Sarajevo, to celebrate ten years of peace.

The exhibition runs to 25 November at the Croatian embassy, details below.

Talk by Michael Donley, author of
Marco Polo’s Isle - Sketches from the Dalmatian island of Korcula

The Croatian Students and Young Professionals Network have arranged a reception and talk by Michael Donley about his book on Korcula. It will be held at the Croatian Embassy on Thursday 1 December between 6.30 and 8.30 pm. Croats in London featured an interview with Mr Donley in our July issue.

Please contact CSYPN or the Embassy for further details.

Noticeboard

Only events run by known and reputable bodies will be listed here.

2-25 November: Healing Colours by Mladen Peric. Croatian embassy Art Gallery. Open Monday-Friday 10.00 - 14.00.

25 November - Croatian Language School Annual Dinner. Contact CLS for details.

30 November 7.30 PM Wigmore Hall - Adam International Cello Festival & Competition. Includes contribution from Croatian cellist Monika Leskovar (see our interview with her last issue) Further details: 020 7935 2141

1 December 6.30 PM - Michael Donley talk on his book ‘Marco Polo’s Isle - Sketches from the Dalmatian island of Korcula’

The next issue of Croats in London will be out in November

Vlaho Bukovac paintings exhibition

This exhibition has been organised to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Vlaho Bukovac

Walker Art Gallery Liverpool 12 November - 3 January 2006
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Mercer Art Gallery Harrogate 14 January - 19 March 2006< br /> www.harrogate.gov.uk/museums

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