The 56th May Exhibition, under the slogan “Genesis,” showcased works by applied artists who expressed their views of the world through various media. The exhibition prioritized the presentation of different disciplines, reflecting the widespread influence of applied arts in everyday life and culture in general. Visitors were invited to perceive the exhibition as a cohesive whole, offering insight into innovative artistic practices within contemporary society.
The theme of this year’s May Exhibition aimed to challenge artists’ perceptions and highlight diverse approaches to reality and its aestheticization through different forms of artistic expression.
The theme “Genesis” was inspired by its original appearance in the “Book of Genesis” (Hebrew: בראשית Berešit; Greek: Γένεσις; Latin: Genesis), representing the origin, development of the world, and the creation of matter, time, and space.
Organized by ULUPUDS, the 56th May Exhibition was a significant cultural event for the city of Belgrade, taking place across five venues: Konak Kneginje Ljubice (May 14–30, 2024), Dom Vojske Srbije Media Center “Odbrana” (May 24–June 15), Bioskop Balkan (May 23–June 10), Singidunum Gallery (May 16–24, 2024), and the Student Cultural Center SKC (June 4–14, 2024).
The May Exhibition has long been a notable and expansive showcase for applied arts and design in Serbia, featuring works from all nine sections of applied arts: architecture, design, sculpture, textiles and contemporary fashion, ceramic and glass design, scenography and costume design, painting and graphics, artistic photography, and art theory, history, and criticism. In the era of the SFRY, this exhibition was a major national event. Today, the cultural space of the Western Balkans remains interconnected, with shared language, heritage, and aspirations. Despite political instability, artistic collaboration continues to thrive across borders.
In recent years, the exhibition organizers have reintegrated works by artists from the post-Yugoslav region, aiming to foster regional cooperation, create intercultural dialogue, and establish a platform for the promotion and branding of Balkan design.
The accompanying programs for the 56th May Exhibition include:
- A solo exhibition by Vera Stanarčević, winner of the Grand Prize of the 55th May Exhibition, from May 16–24, 2024 – Singidunum Gallery.
- A guest program of new media and film artists in SKC (Đildo Bavčević, Marko Grba Singh, Ivana Kosanović, Ivan Marković, Nu Simakina, Sandra Sterle, and Goran Škofić), from June 4–14, 2024 – SKC.
- A guest program featuring UPIDIV members, from May 14–30, 2024 – Konak Kneginje Ljubice.
- A professional conference organized by the art criticism, history, and theory section on June 6 – Bioskop Balkan.
