EXHIBITION OPENING
Gallery Grafički kolektiv,
November 7th, 2005
The speech was made by Ljiljana Ćinkul,
the Curator of the Gallery

On the occasion of the tonight’s exhibition and ceremony, we can talk about friendship, fruitful cooperation and art. All who know prof. Boško Karanović and prof. Stjepan Fileki know what it is about. For those younger and less familiar with the subject: we are talking about authorship in four hands and, like the bravura of a piano score in four hands, none of these visual harmonies would be possible without the four right hands, the cherished friendship, talk, agreement and the professional accord. This so-called teamwork in action has lasted for a few decades, since 60’s of the previous century to this day, while this segment of their comprehensive creative opus keeps on fascinating as an inspiration. Karanović and Fileki, or Fileki and Karanović, whatever, have made a large number of diplomas and similar certificates for the needs of various institutions, above all in the field of culture – The Musical Youth, the University of Arts, the City of Belgrade, as well as for social and commercial organizations.

The diploma – as a particular field of the applied graphic arts, harmonizes the art of design, graphic arts, typography, calligraphy; in such work to the given subject legible is the heading as well as the text, the visual components, the logo of the client, the mark of the event or the institution.

During the joint long-term work of these two artists – prof. Boško Karanović and prof. Stjepan Fileki, many graphic designs have been made of unique diplomas printed manually on luxury paper. Moreover, depending on the occasion and on the needs of the client, the diplomas have been printed in limited editions.

Each one of us has at least one, two, three or more diplomas at home – depending on the schooling background, the age, the professional and social engagement. From the typeface of the master, the old-time form of the diploma, this standard form of social commendation has changed with the times, as the graphic designers keep giving it a modern look. In the second half of 20 th century, the diploma remained an appropriate document issued at the end of schooling, as a commendation for achievements and jubilees in various fields as well as in many competitions – being the crown of success and the solemn moment. The diploma, as a sort of social, political, public and economic phenomenon, is also a document of the times and the reflection of the cultural and artistic trends. Today, one is fascinated by the commitment with which these two artists have accomplished serious professional assignments on the subject of diplomas.

A few sentences by prof. Fileki in the catalogue represent an authentic testimony, not so romantic though, as those recall the tense atmosphere and tight deadlines, as is so often a case in the creative work.

The eldest members of the Graphic Association, professors Karanović and Fileki, the artists and the masters of the diploma, tonight here with us. Let's greet them and congratulate them.