Jelena Bibic - A Short Biography

Belgrade, Serbia

Jelena Bibic - Edited Biography

Graduated from the Faculty of Fine Art Belgrade, in the class of Professor Zoran Vuković

Member of ULUS, ULUPUDS

Association of Art and Applied Artists Serbia

Member of the Management Board Serbian Airforce “Ikar” gallery in Zemun.

Tesla Ambassador,( in marking the culture of remembrance of “Nikola Tesla)”

Jelena Bibic is widely recognised for producing a diverse array of original, contemporary and classical compositions. Her work is publicly displayed at galleries, museums, exhibitions and private homes throughout Europe, USA, China and UAE.

Jelena Bibić (also known as “Jeka”) is a Serbian artist born in 1975 in Yugoslavia. She is a talented academic painter, as well as a designer from Belgrade, Serbia.

Jelena Bibic (Jeka)

The arts have always been a central part of Jelena’s identity, manifested through various forms such as painting, design, and music.

Jelena’s early artistic talents were recognised by her parents even before she could walk or talk. Her passion for colouring and painting was evident, laying the foundation for her journey as a budding artist.

As a young child, she would seek refuge in her imagination. She would transcribe the most vivid moments of her day onto paper, creating a diverse range of compositions. With perseverance and the aid of private art lessons, she refined her skills in translating her mental visions onto paper.

Her father’s architectural sketches greatly influenced her, and she was captivated by the fluid and confident style with which he brought intricate three-dimensional freehand images to life.

He provided her with high-quality drawing materials, while both her parents closely observed her development and offered both positive feedback and constructive criticism to help gently guide their daughter in her artistic pursuits.

Jelena began showcasing her art at a young age, with her first informal exhibition featuring “Birds” at five years old and her first official exhibition when she was in high school.

During her formative years, Jelena's most prized possession was not a mere doll house, but the Johnson Encyclopaedia “Anatomy for the Artists”, and the "History of Art". After meticulously studying and analysing these books, Jelena's dedication and hard work paid off when she received the year's highest grade at the “Faculty of Fine Art” for her human anatomy drawings years later.

These literary treasures ignited a fervent and insatiable thirst in her for the wisdom imparted by the great masters of the past.

Jelena was captivated by the works of renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Gauguin, Frida Kahlo, Dali, Picasso, and Serbian artists Milena Pavlović Barilli, Mića Popović, Vladimir Velicković, as well as her hero, the innovator and visionary Nikola Tesla.

As a teenager, she fully embraced her passion for painting, which even surpassed her love for horse riding, and being a classically trained violinist.

Immersed in the anticipation of expressing her inner self through the interplay of form, colour, and texture, she honed her skills and techniques. Devoting herself to the mediums of oil and acrylic painting and other art disciplines, laying the foundation for her artistic development.

Jelena’s natural talent and hard work secured her a spot at the prestigious Belgrade Fine Art Academy at just 18 years old, adding to the institution's legacy of producing notable artists. Her work has since been exhibited in prominent galleries, museums, and private collections globally.

Upon graduating, she was embraced by the art community and became a key figure in Belgrade art circles, and subsequently immersed herself in the art community.

Known for her reluctance to engage in commercial opportunities or ceremonies, she continued to work illusively on her terms, giving her autonomy and control over her creative process, and letting her paintings do the talking.

She remains selective when collaborating, & ensures any project she is involved with aligns with her principles and prioritises her ethical values.

Jelena constantly pushes the boundaries of her artistic abilities by exploring and educating herself in different mediums and techniques, including mosaics, stained glass, and more recently three-dimensional painting.

Jelena's passion for painting stems from a desire for artistic expression and a dedication to raising awareness for endangered species.

She also takes pleasure in guiding and inspiring young artists through teaching and mentoring. She enjoys sharing her wisdom and expertise, much like her own mentors and peers did for her. Teaching art in Serbia and teaching fine art in Shanghai, China.

Artworks

On Eagles:

Her focus on creating paintings of eagles has gained her recognition among critics and clients alike & can be found in homes, retail, hospitality, and corporate businesses internationally.

On Wildlife:

She creates animal portraits that are both simple and impactful, with a focus on establishing a connection between the viewer and the subject through eye contact. Her focus on endangered species serves as a powerful tool to bring attention to their conservation.

On Horses:

When painting horses, she draws inspiration from her experience as an avid horse rider and is known for capturing the majesty of these animals in their galloping beauty.

On Street Life:

The artist's keen eye is drawn to the day-to-day actions of individuals in her “Street Life” compositions. The inclusion of architectural backdrops adds a dynamic layer to the pieces, further elevating the focus on capturing the very essence of street life.

On Portraiture:

Jelena skillfully portrays her subjects in their natural environments, capturing their inherent gestures and movements with sensitivity and eloquence. She excels at allowing her subjects to be themselves, resulting in powerful and authentic moments captured on canvas.