Presentation of the art monograph of our respected painter and graphic artist, University of Split’s professor emeritus, Petar Jakelić, took place September 25 at the Milesi Palace in Split.
The promotion was part of the 34th scientific and cultural event BOOK OF THE MEDITERRANEAN, and University of Split Rector, prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D., academics Luko Paljetak and Nenad Cambj, and the author himself spoke about this autobiographic monograph.
Petar Jakelić recapitulated his artistic journey, 68 years of work, recalling the very beginnings.
- The monograph states what has been done so far, but I am not stopping, my work continues, as if nothing had happened. I don't know how long it will last. Will there be more springs, summers and autumns; it is not up to me. What is sure, I will work the same way, as if I am just beginning - said the artist, claiming that his is a world of imagination.
- It is an imaginary world, and critics state the thesis about my art being between surrealism and symbolism. We are talking about two expressions related and connected like brother and sister. Everything I do has to do with this - these are my clouds, and I wouldn't change them for anything - concluded Jakelić.
- Petar Jakelić is one of our University’s esteemed professors. When the Academy of Arts in Split was created, in the field of graphics, Professor Jakelić created, learned and moved forward together with his students - Rector Ljutić said, stressing that he was glad that the University participated in creating this work; he also mentioned future support for the arts.
Nenad Cambj, long-time leader of the Literary Circle and the Book of Mediterranean, stressed that promoting this extraordinary monograph by the Split painter Petar Jakelić depicts him from all possible aspects and viewpoints.
The monograph contains 400 graphic attachments in color and is divided into three parts, painting, drawing and graphics, with the addition "sacred and diverse", and it also includes rich photo documentation. At the end there are biography, a catalogue list of works and chronological bibliography in both Croatian and English. Petar Jakelić's monograph is published by Literary Circle Split, and printing was supported by Croatian Ministry of Culture and Media, the Split-Dalmatia County, City of Split and University of Split.