The Museum of Applied Arts in Serbia has inaugurated an exhibition titled “Ma: međuprostor,” showcasing the porcelain artworks of Serbian artist Jovana Čavorović. This exhibition, which opened on September 4, 2026, is the culmination of Čavorović’s three-year research residency in Japan, supported by the Japanese Embassy in Serbia. The exhibition exemplifies the intersection of Serbian and Japanese artistic practices and highlights the cultural exchange between the two countries.

Stevan Martinović, the director of the Museum of Applied Arts, emphasized the significance of the exhibition in introducing new artistic practices. He praised Čavorović’s work for its international resonance and contribution to the museum’s program. “We have a wonderful artist like Jovana Čavorović, whose works represent an international echo and, in a way, new artistic practices,” Martinović stated. The exhibition is part of the museum’s Salon of Contemporary Applied Arts and Design, which aims to showcase both established and emerging artists.

Curator Jelena Popović noted that the exhibition is the result of Čavorović’s decade-long artistic journey, which included a significant period in Japan starting in 2018. During her stay, Čavorović engaged in direct material work and technological research, immersing herself in a different cultural context. Popović highlighted the challenges faced in transporting the artworks back to Serbia and the importance of the exhibition in maintaining the quality and continuity of the museum’s program.

The concept of “ma,” which is central to the exhibition, refers to a space of relationships and perceptions, rather than simply an empty space between objects. This idea is reflected in the arrangement of the artworks, where the void becomes an active element, establishing relationships among the pieces and engaging the viewer within the exhibition space. The aesthetic principles of “wabi-sabi,” emphasizing transience, fragility, and imperfection, and “kintsugi,” recognizing traces, breaks, and reconstruction, are also integral to the exhibition’s theme.

Yuićiro Omori, the cultural attaché of the Japanese Embassy in Serbia, remarked on the exhibition as a testament to the strong ties between Serbia and Japan. The embassy’s support underscores the ongoing cultural exchange and collaboration between the two nations, further enriching the artistic landscape in Serbia.

The exhibition “Ma: međuprostor” not only highlights Čavorović’s personal artistic evolution but also serves as a platform for exploring contemporary Serbian art within an international context. By incorporating Japanese artistic philosophies and techniques, Čavorović’s work offers a unique perspective on the dynamic interplay of cultural influences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of both Serbian and Japanese art traditions.