Miodrag Djuric, known professionally as Dado, established his career after moving from Yugoslavia to Paris in 1956. A versatile creator working across painting, sculpture, and printmaking, he spent the majority of his life in France. His output spanned six decades, evolving from detailed early compositions to dynamic, large-scale works held in national collections.
Early Development and Migration
Born in 1933 in Cetinje, Montenegro, Djuric grew up during a period of significant regional instability. Following the death of his mother during World War II, he pursued an interest in fine arts, studying in Herceg Novi from 1947 until 1951. He continued his education at the fine arts school of Belgrade. Seeking professional opportunities, he relocated to Paris in 1956, where he initially supported himself through manual labor and employment in a lithography workshop.
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Djuric gained early recognition after being discovered by art dealer Daniel Cordier, who hosted an exhibition of his work in 1958. This event solidified his standing within the Parisian art scene. Shortly thereafter, he moved to the Vexin countryside, eventually settling in 1960 at a former water mill in Hérouval, Oise, which became his primary studio and residence for the remainder of his career.
Evolution of Artistic Practice
Throughout his career, Djuric transitioned from technical, detail-oriented works toward more expansive, energetic compositions. While oil on linen remained his primary medium, he also employed acrylics and utilized unconventional supports like metal plates. Notable paintings such as Les Limbes and Le Massacre des Innocents reside in the Centre Pompidou. Later in his life, he turned toward large-scale fresco projects, including a significant work in a former leper colony chapel in Gisors.
Diverse Mediums and Collaborations
Beyond painting, Djuric maintained an extensive practice in engraving and sculpture. He began formal engraving techniques in 1967 with Alain Controu and contributed extensively to the Lacourière-Frélaut workshop. His sculptural work included unusual materials, notably a 1962 piece constructed from cattle bones. He also collaborated frequently with writers, providing illustrations for works by Georges Perec, Franz Kafka, and Pierre Bettencourt, reflecting his lifelong interest in literature.
Fast facts
- Born: 1933, Cetinje
- Died: 2010, Pontoise
- Primary medium: Painting
- Notable honor: Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (1984)
- Residence: Hérouval, France
- Citizenship: Montenegro, Yugoslavia
Questions readers ask
What mediums did Dado work with?
He was a painter, sculptor, printmaker, and draftsperson who also created ceramics and illustrated books.
Where can Dado's paintings be seen?
His works are held in institutional collections including the Centre Pompidou and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
