The human form and anatomy remain at the core of her work. And while construction sites have occupied a large part of Dragica Vidakovic’s recent paintings, infrastructure had not been an area she had dared to explore. These sites, with the heavy machinery, can be intimidating and almost unapproachable. But family and friends were instrumental in challenging Dragica, giving her the confidence to pursue her interest in the subject and to connect with the people.
“CREW CUTS” is about people who are always present yet easily dismissed from our thoughts. They are part of our daily lives and are essential to our wellbeing. They make things work for us. Their strength and expertise are indispensable, yet we often get aggravated by their constant presence and the space they occupy. We rarely take the time to engage with them or even recognize the importance of their contribution.
With a more “graphics” approach, this collection captures real life scenery (not often studied), the interaction of crew members and the importance of team work that prevails on every job site. By getting to know the workers, Dragica was able to become part of the “infrastructure”, almost invisible, making it possible for her to observe and to draw without compromising the un-posed reality of the setting.
The people are the heart and soul of the paintings. Their depiction, the setting, and the almost human relationship with the tools and machinery they use, are what compels you to “feel” the sounds, smells, movements, and even the vibrations of the ground.
“Rusty Chain”
“Bridges & Structures”
“Pickard Boys”
“Turn it Up Loud”
“Made in Canada”
