Why did Serbian artist refuse RSD 250,000 from the state for the PURCHASE of his artwork

Well-known painter Mihael Milutinovic has recently decided to take an unusual step – to refuse funds in the amount of RSD 250,000, which he received at this year’s competition of the Ministry of Culture and Information for financing works of art in the field of visual arts.

This refers to his artwork „Escape“ (oil painting) from 2013.

Mihailovic shared on his Facebook profile that 250,000 dinars were offered for his art piece, which was submitted at the competition at the proposal of the Museum in Smederevo, which is a quarter of the amount at which this artwork was initially offered.

He said that he rejected the offer, with a written explanation.

„On the one hand, I have been functioning on the international market for a long time, my works are in serious public and private collections, museums, galleries. I have built my reputation and name patiently with great sacrifices, for decades. Such development was accompanied by the prices of my artwork. „Logic and common sense dictate to me not to devalue my work and not to make compromises in that regard“, this artist explained in his post on Facebook.

On the other hand, he understands, he says, the current situation, social and any other context in which for many of his colleagues every dinar or euro is as valuable as pure gold and necessary for survival, both personal and creative.

He adds that that is why he would not want anyone to interpret his decision as arrogance or contempt.

Mihailovic adds that he has often donated works for humanitarian auctions, to public collections, as well as to the Museum of Contemporary Art.

„I hope that my decision will bring 250,000 dinars back to the budget for those who need that money much more than I do, and to whom it would actually be worth more,“ Mihailovic wrote.

Izvor: BIZlife

Foto: Pixabay