ART GALLERY

Existing within rich and historic walls, the Fort George Art Gallery exhibits an array of modern and contemporary work from both local and international artists. The Fort aims to establish itself as a cultural hub and supporter of artistic endeavour.

NATALIA BORČIĆ PEUC: THE SCENTS OF AN OFFSHORE ISLAND

The painting cycle “Scents of the Open Sea Island” depicts the native plants of the island of Vis and its natural blessings. Vis, in all its wildness, harshness, changeability, and beauty, has given the artist the space for contemplation and feeling. She has always been fascinated by the contrast between its dry, hard, and barren land and the fruits and aromatic herbs it produces. This contrast became the impetus and inspiration for this cycle of paintings.

The Mediterranean landscape of the island of Vis is specific because its climate is more maritime, with smaller temperature fluctuations due to the stronger thermostatic effect of the surrounding deeper sea. Vis, like the other open sea islands in this part of the Adriatic (Lastovo, Biševo, Svetac, Palagruža, Brusnik), is drier than the islands closer to the mainland. These islands are also characterised by strong gale-force winds and high humidity, as they are "immersed" in the sea. Because of all this, the vegetation on this island is strong, resilient, and fragrant. It is the materialized essence of the climate in which it grows.

Plants such as lemon, olive, pomegranate, rosemary, fig, immortelle, lavender, and laurel have been symbols of longevity and prosperity since ancient times, partly due to their remarkably revitalizing effects on the body. Thanks to their nourishing composition, these fruits give the skin and hair firmness and radiance, while the aromatic herbs have a powerful purifying and energizing effect. The delicate scents of these plants help balance body and mind. The olive tree, a tree from the dawn of the world and the cradle of civilization, is a guardian of youth in our lives, a beautician of human beauty, with its fruits preserving emblematic qualities associated with light, warmth, nourishment, and spirituality.

The exhibition is open from July 19th until September 25th 2025. Gallery is open every day from 11 am - 8 pm. Please check our events schedule for privatized dates when the gallery will be closed.