Those who see the world differently and those who like to see a different world.
The mystery of the popularity of fantasy art in Serbia, shown by the growing number of artists who deal with it, as well as the interest their work arouses, can be explained by the tradition and work of various artists and groups, but not completely. Oliver Tomić, PhD art historian, in the preface to the catalog of the First Biennale of Fantasy Art, focused on the characteristics and general appeal of fiction:
“What is fantastic? Fantastic is the result of a different view of the world. At the same time, it is not only the external, physical reality in which a person is born, creates and dies, but also the internal, mental one. Deep down in the artistic soul, there really are places, creatures and things that, with their abundance, far exceed everything that can be seen and met in a rough appearance. Of the styles and trends of recent times, this treasury has been explored by symbolism, metaphysical painting, and surrealism, and also by some expressionists. On the domestic scene, both individuals (Milena Pavlović-Barili, for example) and the group Mediala set out in the field of fiction.
Therefore, it can be said that modern fantastic figuration has a rich and diverse background, and if ancient epochs, past civilizations and non-European cultures are included in it, that source of inspiration becomes practically inexhaustible. Individual works will certainly associate the observer (at least relatively knowledgeable) with the achievements of some top masters of figuration from the past, from prehistory, through Byzantium and the Renaissance (say Uccello and Bruegel), all the way to surrealism of the Dalí or Magritte type. The observer is facing “sweet torments”of deciphering and embracing the visions and mysteries of such a spectrum, so there will be something irresistible for everyone.”