Putting together an image of resilience with Boban Stojanovic
Boban Stojanovic
Queer Artist
Boban Stojanovic is a gay man from Serbia who moved to Canada in 2016, seeking asylum due to the constant violence he faced as a prominent acivist and one of several publicly recognized LGBTQ figures in his country.
Pride In Business: As a first-time participant in Pride in Art, what do you hope to get out of this experience?
Boban Stjanovic: Applying to exhibit my work was a monumental decision, layered with my identity and the challenges I’ve faced in a society not always accepting of queer voices. It’s an act perceived by many as brave, highlighting my engagement with queer activism and my journey as an immigrant. Yet, beneath this perceived courage lies deep-seated insecurity, a sentiment not uncommon among queer individuals who often feel a heightened need to prove their worth. My art is a reflection of this struggle and resilience, but presenting it to the world brings out a certain vulnerability and shyness within me.
This exhibition is the opportunity to showcase my work and offer a chance to confront these fears, hoping to communicate not just my narrative but the broader experiences of resilience and beauty within the queer community.
PIB: Can you tell us about our creative process, and how do you begin to develop your pieces? What motivates you to create?
BS: In discussing my approach to art, be it through poetry or collage, it fundamentally begins with an embrace of challenges. For instance, my poetry often starts with a singular line that captures my imagination, one that I feel has merit. I build around that line, weaving a narrative that unfolds in its light. The process is quite similar to collages; it begins by selecting an image that speaks to me, affixing it to paper as the inception point, and subsequently navigating the creative journey that follows. This methodology mirrors my approach to life’s hurdles as well.
Whenever I encounter a problem, I don't shy away; instead, I position it at the forefront of my focus and methodically work toward a resolution. This, I believe, is reflective of an artist's intrinsic relationship with life, a narrative of confronting and creatively transcending challenges. My narrative, it’s about channelling these challenges into avenues for beautiful, empathetic expressions through my art.
PIB: You mention your grandmother was an inspiration in your use of collage, does anyone else inspire you in this medium?
BS: I find my inspiration in the tapestry of human experiences - in the bustling life of cities, the rich, challenge-filled lives of others, and the very hurdles I cross in my journey. Moreover, the spaces inhabited by individuals, the narratives they spin, and the intricacies within these tales also fuel my creativity. I hold a belief that life should unfold naturally, without excessive planning or control. Allowing the ebb and flow of people and events through our daily lives, and welcoming these experiences with open arms, is where true authenticity lies. This ethos of embracing life in its entirety informs my work. The resilience and joy found in the human spirit profoundly inspire me. I see the world as a collection of complex, intertwined stories, a perspective that deeply resonates with my love for creating collages. In essence, it's the ability to weave these multifaceted narratives into a cohesive whole that captivates me, both in life and in my art.
PIB: How does your experience and story influence your art?
BS: Everything I produce carries a piece of my essence. I often describe myself as an artistic spirit, passionate about delving into diverse modes of creative expression. Yet, each endeavour I undertake is intrinsically tied to my narrative and experiences. These creative processes are not only a means through which I navigate my healing but also a bridge to connect with an audience. I hope that viewers might see a reflection of their journeys in my work and perhaps discover a path to their healing. This intention sits at the heart of my artistic journey.
PIB: As we know art can be subjective however, what would you like viewers of your work to take away after they experience your pieces?
BS: Whenever I encounter another artist's collage, I'm struck by the remarkable way in which unrelated images can be woven together to tell a new, compelling story. It's this transformative power of art that captivates me. I hope that those who view my pieces experience a moment of reflection on their own lives, recognizing the beauty and complexity of their narratives as if they were admiring a carefully crafted collage. My aspiration is for my audience to acknowledge and appreciate the unique and beautiful creation that is their life.
PIB: If you had to provide one piece of advice to new artists, what would you share?
BS: Art inherently seeks visibility, yet the true impact it has on others remains an enigma. Our creations venture forth into the world, carrying with them a part of our essence, never truly knowing the emotional ripples they might generate. The measure of our success as artists doesn't necessarily lie in widespread acclaim or recognition, but rather in the ability to deeply resonate with an audience, be it the expansive public or an audience of one—ourselves. If our art succeeds in touching even a single heart, then we have truly achieved our purpose.
To experience Boban’s work and the work of other featured artists, get your tickets for the Pride In Art event on May 24, 2024, here.
Wikipedia: wikipedia.org/wiki/Boban_Stojanovi
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Fong
PIB — Communications, Events, & Social Media Manager
Pride In Business article in partnership with TD.
By Michael Fong