Unsolvable Ambiguity
In the existential layer of Ilić's drawings could be distinguished certain organic shapes. However, it is almost impossible to define them precisely, inasmuch as they lack the recognizable visual dimension. Actually, just when one thinks that something is found in the foreground, a point to seize on, the author denies and cancels it. As soon as it seems that some figure becomes recognizable, almost immediately the mere thought of the wrong track suggests itself, owing to the fact that the figure in these pictures should not be required and will not be found as it is not essential after all. Indeed, every single thing here is unique, invisible, inaudible and unpresentable because that is in its nature. Hence, in these drawings everything is liable to some kind of supernatural conversion, effluence and dissolution, shaping and the unmasking of shaping, composing and decomposing, destruction and creation, having and lacking. Precisely, these works are all about the existence or the moments of living. They express certain complex psychological states and dip into the enclosures of human absurdity in an effort to disclose and alleviate the weight of existential spasm that is their consequence.
Zvonimir Osrečki, an art critic
Excerpt from the exhibition catalog: On Spaces and Signs
Exterminators of Our Dreams
An atmosphere of futurist film or comic strip can only be recognized at level of the contents. Machines, tools and instruments lack a recognizable visual dimension, but have nevertheless reached a mythological character as a means of the industrial civilization whereby stressing even more the pessimism announced by the colours. However, despite the hint of apocalyptic situations, diversity of forms has caused certain transpose in expressing the author's personal hesitations in the domain of the visual language. The impulses of plastic elements are constituted into substantial entities whose secure treatment ensures value to the work.
The story of drawing continues here, it represents an intimate writ of the author's developed imagination. Nenad Ilic's visual awareness is rich and diversified in its irreal context. On this occasion, it is expressed through drawing whereby its power has become stronger and a greater impact in our immanent perception.
Aleksandra Estela Bjelica
Excerpt from the exhibition catalog: Works on Paper
