Meet Pero

Since his early teens, Pero Nikčević, explores and connects to the world through his art. The blend of reality and fantasy along with his diverse styles and techniques gives his work its uniqueness. Defying definitions and the artistic establishment, freedom and independence are central to Pero’s expression. His mission was always to live for art, not the other way around: “I didn’t choose art - art chose me”.

“My role is to translate emotions into artwork that tells a story, ultimately speaking to everyone.”

Pero Nikčević was born in 1951 in Montenegro, Yugoslavia. His fascination with art ignited during his teenage years upon encountering a newspaper article announcing an exhibition of Van Gogh's work in Belgrade. This pivotal moment inspired Pero to dedicate his life to art.

In the 70s, Pero embarked on a quest for artistic enrichment, leaving the Montenegrin mountains to study at the prestigious Belgrade School of Fine Arts and then venturing to Paris to refine his skills under the tutelage of renowned artists. Throughout his travels, from Amsterdam to New York, he absorbed diverse influences that enriched his creative vision.

The 80s saw Pero's return to Montenegro, where he sought solace and inspiration in the tranquil surroundings of the Rezevici Monastery. Immersed in nature, he crafted a collection of large-format works that melded reality with imagination, showcasing his mastery of the canvas. He stayed in the monastery for four years.

A pivotal shift occurred in the 90s as Pero returned to Paris, establishing himself at La Cité Internationale des Arts and later co-founding La Forge de Belleville. Here, he honed his expertise in mural painting and fostered artistic camaraderie among fellow creators.

The turn of the millennium witnessed Pero's emergence as a recognised figure in the Parisian art scene, with his studio at La Forge de Belleville becoming a hub for creativity. The annual Portes Ouvertes event provided a platform for him to share his evolving body of work with the public, solidifying his reputation.

In recent years, Pero has undertaken the task of cataloguing his extensive oeuvre while continuing to draw inspiration from his Montenegrin heritage. Together with his daughter he wants to inspire others to connect to art, make it more accessible and bring it to people’s homes.

Exhibition history

  • Novi Sad, Petite Galerie (Serbia) : Oil on canvas.

  • Cultural Center of Vrbas, Niksic, and Budva (Montenegro): Oil on canvas.

    • San Stefan, Galerie San Stefan (Montenegro): Oil on canvas.

    • Herceg Novi, Hôtel Plaja (Montenegro): Drawings.

  • Belgrade, JNA Gallery (Serbia): Large-format oil on canvas.

    • Boulogne-Billancourt, RENAULT Factories (France): Oil on canvas.

    • Paris, Contemporary Yugoslav Art Gallery (France) : Large-format gouache.

  • Niksic, Arts Pavilion (Montenegro): Sculptures and ceramic objects.

  • Paris, Bernanos Gallery (France): Large-format gouache.

  • Paris, Cité Internationale des Arts (France): Painting on wood.

  • Geneva, Switzerland: World Intellectual Property Organization acquired the oil on canvas "Nikola Tesla."

  • Belgrade, Haos Gallery (Serbia): Drawings.

  • Paris, La Compagnie des Arts & Jacques Chambault (France): Drawings.

  • Niksic, Nikola Gallery (Montenegro): Retrospective exhibition.

  • Herceg Novi, Modern Gallery (Montenegro): Watercolors.

  • Paris, August Debouzy Law Firm (France) : Oil on canvas.

  • London, Baker Street Gallery (UK): Oil on canvas.

  • Paris, France : Artistic performance on tarpaulin (5x7m) at Roland Garros, later exhibited in the FFT Museum.

    • Paris, Cultural Center of Serbia and Montenegro: Ceramics.

    • Paris, Christian Siret Gallery: Ceramics and drawings.

  • Paris, Jardins d'Acclimatation: Large oil on canvas.

  • Paris, Interface Flor Offices: Sculptures, collages, and oil on canvas.

    B2B collaboration, Pero uses carpet of the company and creates sculptures celebrating a milestone of the company.

  • Paris: Private exhibition at a law firm in Denfert Rochereau. Drawings, paintings, and ceramics.

  • Bar, City Cultural Center (Montenegro): Drawings and oil on canvas.

    • Petrovac, City Cultural Center (Montenegro): Oil on canvas.

    • Kotor, Palata Pima Gallery (Montenegro): Drawings and gouache.

  • Budva, Santa Maria Gallery (Montenegro): Oil on canvas, drawings, and watercolors.

  • Bijelo Polje, City Cultural Center (Montenegro): Large-format black line drawings.

  • Podgorica, Most Gallery (Montenegro): Large-format black line drawings.

  • Vrbas, Serbia, Likovna Crnogorka Gallery: Oil on canvas.