Through his diverse artistic practice, Vuk Cuk embodies a profound fascination with the intricate interplay between capitalist logic, trends, and technology as they mold our human and natural realms. He delves into uncharted territories, exploring novel modes of existence within the context of our contemporary society.
ART
Sculpture, both kinetic and static, installations, drawing, digital art, and painting all serve as vehicles for his creative expression. With a keen eye for detail and an astute understanding of our ever-evolving world, Cuk’s work resonates as a thought-provoking reflection on the multifaceted dimensions of our modern existence.
How did the “Day Before Tomorrow” show come to be? – The show came about through a combination of my intention to gather artists whose work I truly appreciate and find super relevant. It also involved spontaneous events that kind of came together on their own, and the confidence from my gallery, Eugster ll Belgrade, to give me carte blanche and put me in the position to curate this show.
I think we live in a very confusing and complex time right now, where there are multiple possible outcomes for the future.
How does the exhibition explore the notion of presence in relation to our understanding of the future? – I think we live in a very confusing and complex time right now, where there are multiple possible outcomes for the future. Our reality constantly changes, and I think all the artists participating in this exhibition understand that and explore the notion of reality very well, each with their own specific approach.
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In what ways does it delve into the complex interplay between human beings, technology, and the ever-evolving world we live in? – Technology is evolving so fast that the questions about it are also constantly evolving. We started by asking ourselves, “Will technology make significant changes in our everyday lives?” not so long ago, to completely accepting that it is impossible to imagine contemporary living without it.
What role does technology play in shaping the future of art, and how does this exhibition reflect that? – I think that the art world has completely absorbed technology as a new tool, which I think is great. It’s one of the biggest stories of our time, if not the biggest one. Works in this show reflect on that – sometimes more and sometimes less directly.
What was your experience like transitioning from the position of an artist to assuming the role of a curator? – It was not pre-planned; it’s just how it turned out in this specific situation. It’s an insightful process that is not easy, but it’s a positive challenge that enables you to create things that go beyond your artistic practice. It is very different from being an artist, and it gave me much more understanding of what happens behind the scenes of an art exhibition.
In your artistic practice, the process often starts with searching and ordering peculiar items from AliExpress. Could you share with us your most recent acquisition? – 5Pcs/Lot Dollhouse Food Artificial Foods PVC Simulation Ham Sausage Food Decorative Toys Food Model. Look it up.
I think that the art world has completely absorbed technology as a new tool, which I think is great. It’s one of the biggest stories of our time, if not the biggest one. Works in this show reflect on that – sometimes more and sometimes less directly.
You also use photos you take on your trips as a starting point for your artworks, especially paintings and mosaics. What is the last thing you took a picture of? – Oh, photos from trips are mostly cell towers in weird places. They are everywhere if you start paying attention. They are beautiful.
What’s easier to imagine, nature without humanity or humans without nature? – Both are easy to imagine.
Tell us about your work presented at the “Day Before Tomorrow” exhibition. – It’s a beautiful landscape made exclusively out of products that I ordered on AliExpress.
What happens the day before tomorrow? – I have no idea, tbh.
DSCENE Magazine joined forces with the esteemed Eugster II Belgrade gallery for a group exhibition entitled “DAY BEFORE TOMORROW.” Curated by the visionary talent of Vuk Cuk, this also marks his curatorial debut, showcasing a remarkable group of artists, including the likes of Lyn Liu, Eva Papamargariti, Zarina Nares, Filip Kostic, Damien H. Ding, and Vuk ?uk himself.
