THE ART GALLERY "JOSIP - BEPO BENKOVIC"

Josip Bepo Benkovic - Self-portrait

On December 15th 1966, after closing of The Art School in Herceg-Novi, the Art Gallery was established under the protection of Soldier Union (from the second world war), by artists and well - intentioned citizens. The Gallery was named after Josip Bepo Benkovic, the artist from Herceg Novi, who was executed on Banjica in 1943.

The Gallery became the meeting center of artistic life in Herceg Novi, where were organized individual and group presentations of Yugoslav and foreigner Artists. After the decision of Community Parliament of Herceg Novi, from 5. 4. 1967. the Gallery has been performing within the Regional Museum as an individual section. The first Herceg-Novi` winter salon was organized in 1967and was of the local character, but soon it became Yugoslav review with specialised selectors. Up to now, about 1150 artists took a part in 33 salons. To the relevant artists from Yugoslavia (ex SFR Yugoslavia and actual SR Yugoslavia) were assigned 109 awards.

Vojo Stanjic - "Scentific Symposion" [oil on canvas]

The Winter Salon is the oldest annual manifestation on the Yugoslav artistic area following current artistic happenings in the world. The Gallery Josip Bepo Benkovic realized many independent exhibitions of the great importance for the cultural life on this environment during perennial performing. Among others, individual expositors are: Petar Lubarda, Milo Milunovic, Risto Stijovic, Mica Popovic, Milan Konjevic, Vojo Stanic, Dado Djuric etc. The Gallery is also opened for young talented people who are forming their own artistic expression. The Gallery has its permanent supposition, which has partially been arisen by purchasing salons contribution, represented by Luka Tomanovic, Aleksandar Prijic, Branko Filipovic-Filo, Milena Sotra, Vojo Stanic, Djordje Pravilovic, Djuro Serder, Dimitar Manev, Aleksandar Cvetkovic, Kemal Ramujkic, Vasko Lipovac, Semsa Gavrankapetanovic-Rainvain, Mihailo Jovicevic, Dragan Karadzic and others. Beside constant supposition here has been opened the exhibition (selection) of gift by will, of Milena Sotra.

Milena Sotra - "Mamula Island" [oil on canvas]

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