Featured Artist

As an artist, musician, author, playwright, and poet; Jovan Demetrius Mihailovic embodies the romance of his work. These days, he can be found in his Chicago studio painting, writing, or playing his violin alone or for guests. Those who know him, refer to him as 'a modern-day Renaissance Man' who has dedicated his life to finding the beauty in everything that he does, while inspiring those around him to do the same.

Jovan's storied life began in Serbia, a scenic country found in the culturally rich Balkans. Here, he was recognized very early on as a young prodigy; at the age of seven he received his first training from the renowned, Yugoslav artist, Ivan Pototchniak. Through hard work and innate ability, Jovan grew into a recognized artist of his own. By age thirteen, he was painting portraits for society's elite and was able to support his family during the hard times of the Nazi occupation. In 1965, amidst a war torn Serbia, Jovan embraced his dreams for a better life and left his homeland to seek political refuge in Sweden.

When he arrived, Jovan was penniless and unable to speak Swedish, but possessed a great energy and willingness to learn and grow. Remarkably, within one year of arriving in Sweden, he had produced enough work to present a show at the prestigious Bohman Gallery in the Ostermalm Quarter, the artistic center of Stockholm.

Jovan migrated to the USA in 1971. Again, within one year of arriving to a new country and language, he found praise and was able to exhibit his art; this time at Chicago's famous Kyoto Gallery. From that point until now, Chicago became his home and the place where he continues his spiritual and artistic journey.

Over the past several years, his focus has been on the Venus of Venice collection: a blend of myth, history, present day reality and fantasy now comprising around one hundred large canvases. His style is well recognized for its beauty and enchantment mixing symbolism, surrealism, impressionism and expressionism. Many simply call it visual poetry.