In the village of Dragovo, near Rekovac, Serbia, Dragan Matejić has established an innovative artistic center known as “Ranč slobode” or “Freedom Ranch.” This unique venue merges the worlds of automotive culture and contemporary art, creating a space where vintage cars, trucks, and aircraft coexist with sculptures from renowned artists such as Viktor Kiš and Srđan Stefanović. Matejić’s vision for the ranch extends beyond merely displaying these eclectic collections; he aims to cultivate a creative hub where artists can gather, exchange ideas, and showcase their talents.

The ranch has already attracted artists from Belgrade and is designed to inspire local talent, offering a platform for those in rural areas who often lack the opportunities available in urban centers. Matejić emphasizes the importance of providing a space where individuals from diverse artistic disciplines can come together to express their creativity. “This is a place where all artists who wish to leave their mark can come and do so,” Matejić explained to RTV, highlighting his desire to foster a community of creators.

Among the notable artworks at the ranch is Viktor Kiš’s “Buba pauk” and “Voz koji je pobegao iz grada,” which are integrated into the landscape alongside the vintage vehicles. These pieces are not part of a premeditated design but are instead the result of spontaneous artistic inspiration. Matejić stresses that the sculptures are moments of creative impulse, reflecting the freedom of creation he wishes to encourage at his ranch.

Srđan Stefanović, another artist drawn to the project, contributed a sculpture titled “Dragovo Impakt,” part of his “Impakt” series. Made from hot-rolled steel and standing three meters tall, this piece was inspired not only by the ranch’s unique setting but also by the natural beauty and atmosphere of the Šumadija region. Stefanović’s work exemplifies Matejić’s goal of transforming the ranch into a site where new artistic expressions can flourish, inspired by the local environment and community.

Matejić’s initiative addresses a significant challenge faced by rural artists: the lack of venues to display their work. He notes that while urban artists have more opportunities to showcase their talents, those in villages often do not have the same access to spaces where they can express their abilities. By creating “Ranč slobode,” Matejić hopes to bridge this gap, providing a venue where artists from various backgrounds can come together to create and inspire one another.

The ranch is not intended to be a typical sculpture park but rather an artistic community that thrives on the interplay between the automotive elements and the artworks. As Stefanović describes, the presence of the vintage vehicles adds a distinctive character to the art displayed, creating a unique environment that fosters collaboration and innovation among artists.

In summary, “Ranč slobode” in Dragovo stands as a testament to the innovative blending of automotive culture with contemporary art, offering a new model for artistic engagement in Serbia. Dragan Matejić’s vision for the ranch as a gathering place for creatives highlights the potential for rural areas to become vibrant centers of artistic activity, challenging the traditional urban-centric focus of the art world. Through this initiative, Matejić not only showcases his passion for cars and art but also provides a platform for underrepresented artists to shine.