Graniti, Sicily ( Graniti Murales, International Artist Residency) - “Racamati N’Ta Na Cosa Sula” - Embroidered Together As One, Bojana Ilic - BOJITT, 2023 …more

Inspiring Global Communities Through Art and Tradition

“Racamati N’Ta Na Cosa Sula” - Embroidered Together As One.

From Open Ceremony Artist Talk.

“As an artist and immigrant, I have dedicated myself to inspiring communities across the world to embrace their roots while thinking globally. My mission is to encourage people to look beyond themselves, finding strength in their heritage and using it as a catalyst for unity and understanding.
Traditions and old crafts have always been a profound source of inspiration for me. I am captivated not only by their visual beauty but also by the way they connect people and foster personal peace. It is this deep appreciation that led me to initiate the "e PLURIBUS UNUM" mural project in 2020 during a time of turbulence - the COVID shutdown and social unrest in Chicago.
My first mural adorned the walls of UPTOWN, the most diverse neighborhood in Chicago, where I reside. This vibrant community provided the perfect canvas for my message of introspection and understanding. From there, the project expanded to downtown Chicago, the Miami Florida Design District, and even reached my hometown of Pirot in Serbia. Each of my murals in this project carries the essence of unity and celebration of differences, embodying the motto "out of many, ONE."
Embarking on this journey, I am deeply honored to immerse myself in Sicilian traditions and crafts. The delicate art of embroidery particularly resonated with me, and I seamlessly integrated it into my work. Through these murals, I aim for passersby to be reminded of the inherent value of handcrafted art, and to instill in them the importance of preserving and passing down these traditions to future generations. I believe that this connection and understanding of our shared heritage will fortify us and enable us to make a positive impact on the world.
Together, let us recognize the significance of our individual stories and cherish the wealth of diversity that surrounds us. Only by embracing our heritage while uniting as one can we sow the seeds of change and make a difference in the world.”