Grand Opening: May 5 at 7:00 PM
Bioskop Balkan
Braće Jugovića 16
Gallery hours – Weekdays: 2 PM to 7 PM, Weekends: 12 PM to 3 PM
The Association of Applied Arts Artists and Designers of Serbia (ULUPUDS) presents the 57th May Exhibition, titled “Back to the Present!”, which will take place throughout May in four gallery venues across Belgrade – Balkan Cinema, Princess Ljubica’s Residence, Svetozar Marković University Library, and the Serbian Army House.
Inspired by two anniversaries – 40 years since the premiere of the film “Back to the Future” and 70 years since the first May Exhibition – this year’s exhibition explores the nature of time, the role of art in contemporary society, and the challenges of today.
Through artistic reflections on the past, the future, and the present moment, the exhibition fosters dialogue about truth, perception, and the potential of art as a tool for awareness, resistance, and transformation.
The title carries layered meaning – a call to return “back” for deeper understanding, and “at last” as a decisive moment of awakening and action.
“Back to the Present!” is more than just an artistic concept – it is an imperative to return to reality, to listen to it, shape it, and change it before that very “present,” in its inevitable transience, disappears before our eyes.
A total of 249 ULUPUDS members submitted works for the 57th May Exhibition. A jury composed of members of the Association’s Art Council selected 155 artists to exhibit.
This year’s exhibition includes members from all nine sections of the Association: Painting and Graphics, Sculpture, Design, Textiles and Contemporary Clothing, Costume and Scenography, Ceramics, Photography, Architecture, and Art History and Theory. It also features artists from the Association of Applied Arts Artists and Designers of Vojvodina (UPIDIV) and several notable authors from Montenegro. A special highlight is the inclusion of works by members of the Union of Slovenian Fine Arts Societies (ZDSLU).
As part of the 57th May Exhibition, there will also be a parallel exhibition of medals and plaques by the FIDEM (Fédération Internationale de la Médaille), along with panels, discussions, and expert presentations, all aimed at deepening the understanding of contemporary artistic practices.
The Grand Opening of the 57th May Exhibition – “Back to the Present!”
Held on May 5 at 7 PM in the authentic setting of Balkan Cinema, the event offered a unique artistic gathering with numerous prominent artists in attendance, including special guest Andrej Josifovski Pijanista, newly inducted into the Association.
Exhibition Venues and Dates for the 57th May Exhibition of ULUPUDS:
- Balkan Cinema, Saša Marčeta Foundation: May 5 – 19, 2025
- Princess Ljubica’s Residence, Vaulted Hall: May 8 – 29, 2025
- Svetozar Marković University Library: May 12 – 28, 2025
- Serbian Army House, Small Gallery: May 13 – 31, 2025
- Singidunum Gallery: Solo exhibition by Milica Đurov, May 20 – 31, 2025
Concept Author: Jelena Balević, art historian
Curatorial Team: Jelena Balević and Dr. Miona Marta Marković
Visual Identity: Dejan Vukelić