Composition sans titre 1 (1990) Printmaking by Miodrag Đurić (Dado)

Miodrag Djuric, better known by his artistic pseudonym Dado (1933-2010), was a Yugoslav-French painter and illustrator known for his surreal and macabre imagery. Born on October 4, 1933, in Cetinje, Montenegro, Dado's early life was marked by the tumultuous events of World War II and the subsequent rise of communism in Yugoslavia.

Dado's artistic talent emerged early, and he began his formal art education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb, Croatia. His early works were influenced by Surrealism, Expressionism, and the dark, fantastical elements found in the works of Hieronymus Bosch and Francisco Goya. These influences shaped his distinctive style, characterized by haunting and intricate compositions that explored themes of mortality, mythology, and the human psyche.

In the 1950s, Dado moved to Paris, where he became associated with the Surrealist and Fantastic Realism movements. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful and imaginative paintings, which often depicted nightmarish landscapes populated by grotesque figures and hybrid creatures. His works from this period, such as "The Butcher's Shop" (1963), exemplify his ability to evoke a sense of unease and mystery through his detailed brushwork and rich symbolism.

Throughout his career, Dado's art evolved, incorporating elements of abstraction and exploring new techniques and materials. He was also a skilled illustrator, producing book covers and illustrations that complemented his dark aesthetic and narrative-driven approach to art.

Dado's work has been exhibited extensively in galleries and museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, the Centre Georges Pompidou, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade. His paintings are held in numerous public and private collections, reflecting his enduring influence on contemporary art.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Dado was known for his reclusive nature and intense dedication to his craft. He lived and worked in seclusion in Montmartre, Paris, where he continued to create haunting and evocative artworks until his death on July 27, 2010.

Dado's legacy as an artist lies in his ability to confront and provoke viewers with his visceral imagery and psychological depth. His paintings continue to captivate audiences with their raw emotion and profound exploration of the human condition, solidifying his place as a significant figure in the realm of surreal and fantastic art.

• Nationality: MONTENEGRO
• Date of birth : 1933
• Artistic domains: Represented by a Gallery,
• Groups: Contemporary Montenegrin Artists Artists presented by a gallery

The Artist was highlighted in an article in ArtMajeur Magazine:

Top Artist to Invest in Right Now: Miodrag Đurić (Dado) Dado: An Artist of the Imagination and Violence