Misha Milovanovich is a Belgrade-born artist based in London since her late teens. She graduated from Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design in 1997.
For the last few years, Misha has been working with fragmented abstract shapes that originate from her paintings.
These are symbolic fragments of her life experiences as a mother, drawing inspiration from her diasporic identity, her exploration of her body as a woman, the enigmatic lives of plants and animals, Serbian mythology, and the profound journey of self-synchronization and healing, as well as the visions she receives from her dialogue with nature.
Misha's fascination with nature originated in her early childhood. A childhood nurtured amidst the serene meadows and cultivating greenhouses of her family’s farm in Serbia laid the foundation for this enduring connection.
Her grandmother, who was the village shaman, taught them plant medicine, healing, and a rich tapestry of connection with the land through Old Slavic mythology and beliefs.
This artistic venture mirrors a transformative journey of Misha's recovery, transcending the confines of the physical world and opening the door to spiritual dimensions. This marks a departure from the opulent palette that once defined her earlier creations.
In Misha's latest work, she finds herself deeply immersed in the profound exploration of a myriad of themes, delving into the intricate dimensions of femininity, entropy, fragmentation, rejuvenation, and the captivating realms of plant life, flowers, ancient myths, fossils, rocks, art history, and the ceaseless processes of growth, life, decay, and recycling.
This creative journey intricately weaves a rich tapestry of artistic expression, inviting viewers to engage with the multifaceted layers of these themes.
Through intricate craftsmanship, Misha's sculptures become conduits of healing energy, leading individuals on a transformative path of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. They inspire introspection, transcendence, and a profound connection with the natural world, resonating deeply with both intellect and emotion.
The sculptures themselves represent the culmination of a complex and intricate metamorphic process, involving elements such as fragmentation, carving, casting, recasting, glueing, cutting, and the formation of diverse shapes.
Employing a fusion of techniques, from hand-carving high-density foam and traditional mold-making methodologies, Misha meticulously shapes these creations.
The final touches, executed with cellulose paint, are enhanced through ongoing experimentation, including the application of silver and aluminum leaf gilding, all aimed at guiding these sculptures toward their ultimate development in bronze.