We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Miroslav Kostic a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Miroslav, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
To keep my creativity vibrant and evolving, I ensure that every vacation is an opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultural experiences. Traveling abroad, I make it a point to visit every museum and art gallery I can find. This exposure to a wide range of artistic expressions, from classic masterpieces to contemporary works, fuels my creative spirit. I firmly believe that being surrounded by creativity sparks one’s own creativity. It’s a bit like the saying, “Monkey see, monkey do.” By absorbing the creativity of others, I find new inspiration and ideas that influence my work and perspective.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As the creative mind behind Propaganda Department, my journey in art is deeply intertwined with the vibrant and impactful world of street art. I chose the moniker “Propaganda Department” to add a layer of intrigue, suggesting a powerful yet fictional governmental entity. This allows me to tackle serious themes like human rights, societal critique, and the deconstruction of conspiracy theories through my art.
My commitment to using street art as a medium for expression and commentary is both bold and essential. It enables me to transform my thoughts and criticisms into visual dialogues on urban landscapes, turning public spaces into canvases for conversation and reflection.
My recent work in Nyhavn, Copenhagen, epitomizes this approach. I created a large print sticker critiquing Denmark’s political landscape, using a quote that was originally meant for Tivoli’s funding. This artwork is a striking example of how I blend irony with profound social commentary. By highlighting how entertainment can distract from critical thinking and political awareness, my art not only beautifies spaces but also ignites thought-provoking conversations. This fusion of art, social critique, and humor is what makes my work as Propaganda Department unique and impactful.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Ever since I first laid eyes on graffiti adorning the riverbanks in Rome back in 1996, I’ve been captivated by this form of artistic expression. The moment I returned home, I began sketching graffiti designs for my own building, marking the beginning of my journey. However, classic graffiti never quite satisfied my creative appetite. I always yearned to push boundaries and explore beyond the conventional. My advice to aspiring artists is to immerse themselves in as much street art as possible, absorbing its diverse styles and messages. Then, begin working on your own projects, but don’t limit yourself to just one. Cultivate multiple projects simultaneously, allowing yourself the freedom to experiment and discover your unique voice. Exploration is key in this artistic journey; it’s through this process that you’ll find what truly resonates with your creative spirit.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
My ultimate aspiration is to create murals and street art alongside some of the biggest names in the field, a dream that fuels my artistic journey. However, my vision extends beyond individual creation. I am passionate about inviting other artists to join me under the banner of Propaganda Department. This is not just a collective, but a movement – a union of like-minded individuals with a shared passion for using art as a means to critique and reflect on society.
The dream is to see Propaganda Department evolve into a global force, with artists from all corners of the world contributing their unique voices and perspectives. Together, we would create art that not only challenges societal norms but also provokes thought and inspires change.
So, if there are artists out there who resonate with this vision, who feel the pull to use their art as a commentary on the world, I extend an open invitation. Join me, and let’s collaborate under the Propaganda Department umbrella to make art that matters, art that moves people, and art that traverses borders. Anyone interested in this collaborative journey, feel free to reach out. Let’s make our mark on the world together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.propaganda-dept.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propaganda.dept/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PropagandaDept
