The exhibition of sculptures and installations by Gordana Kaljalović Odanović, titled “Imaginary Library” was opened at the Gallery of the National Museum Kraljevo, on Thursday, April 17th, 2025, at 6 p.m.At the very beginning, the audience was greeted by the exhibition’s author, Suzana Novčić, museum advisor at the National Museum Kraljevo, who reminded everyone that Gordana Kaljalović Odanović had one of her first exhibitions in Kraljevo, in the space of Lord Vasa’s Residence.
She then emphasized that the work of Gordana Kaljalović Odanović represents a significant and essential part of Serbian fine art, which has been created and developed within a broad and dynamic time frame, from the last years of the 20th century to today. This turbulent time brought significant changes to the medium of sculpture itself, known in art history theory as the “expanded field of sculpture”, encompassing installations, objects, interventions, and similar. As a young artist, Gordana developed her artistic expression during the postmodern era. Her creative journey has been one of exploration in multiple directions – in form, material, and medium – materializing through feminine duality, combining sophistication of expression and technical perfection.
Gordana Kaljalović Odanović graduated afrom the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Arts in Belgrade, Department of Sculpture, in 1975, where she later also earned her master’s degree. Additionally, she graduated from the Faculty of Philology of the University of Belgrade in 1977, specializing in English language and literature. This background explains her decision to dedicate over a decade to projects with a literary component, ranging from the smallest units, like letters and words, to books as ideological, political, cultural, and sociological phenomena. Her sculptures—books—represent concepts like a book with nails (“Balkan Expression”), a sound book where the artist recites poetry, and installations inspired by Orhan Pamuk’s novel “My Name is Red”, as well as references to the works of Paul Valéry, George Orwell, and Jovan Dučić. Her work presents a complex idea pursued by the artist, originating from text to which she gives form and spatial context, ultimately striving for a return, as in the beginning was the word, and the word comes from God. With these reflections, the author concluded her address and gave the floor to the artist.
Gordana Kaljalović Odanović expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to exhibit at the Gallery of the National Museum Kraljevo, a space with historical and temporal identity that beckons artists to shape and articulate it in their own way. She thanked Suzana especially, as the curator who selected her works, as well as the entire museum staff for their professionalism and exceptional dedication to preserving cultural heritage. She noted that for years she had longed to exhibit in this space, which has been highly inspirational for her, and that tonight’s exhibition opening represents the fulfillment of that desire. Finally, she thanked all those who enhanced the event with their presence.