Influencer Faces Backlash for Unauthorized Photoshoot at Belgrade Art Faculty

A recent incident involving influencer Dunja Jovanić has stirred controversy within the academic and artistic community in Serbia. Jovanić posted photographs on her Instagram profile, taken within the premises of the Faculty of Applied Arts in Belgrade, featuring students' works that were not yet on public display. This act has drawn significant attention and criticism, particularly as it appears to have occurred without the necessary authorization from the faculty administration.

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Saznao sam da ih je čistačica popodnevne smene oko 19:30 u utorak pustila da se fotografišu pored niza gipsanih skulptura u dvorištu, i to po meni nije veliki greh jer mnogi to žele da urade, ali ulazak u zgradu fakulteta, atelje gde se modeluju skulpture i gde su oštećenja lako moguća nije dopustiv, a ima i elemenata opasnosti da se neko povredi jer sem gline tu ima i metalnih elemenata koji služe kao konstrukcija. Laici to ne znaju

According to reports, including statements from the dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts, Marko Lađušić, Jovanić did not obtain permission for the photoshoot. While she was reportedly let into a courtyard area by a cleaner, the dean emphasized that entering the faculty building itself, especially studios where sculptures are made, is unacceptable due to potential risks of damage and injury. The faculty's concern extends to the safety of the students' unfinished works and the integrity of the artistic process. The dean also noted that the "aesthetics of Dunja's project are completely unacceptable within the academic framework of artistic expression," highlighting a clash between commercial influencer culture and academic artistic standards.

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On je za Nova.rs naveo i da su studenti uznemireni zbog mogućnosti da su neki od započetih radova oštećeni, kao i zbog toga što je, kako je rekao, "estetika Dunjinog projekta potpuno neprihvatljiva u akademskim okvirima umetničkog izražavanja".

In response to the backlash, Jovanić issued an apology via her Instagram profile, expressing regret for any offense caused and taking full responsibility. She asserted that no works were touched, moved, or damaged during the photoshoot, a claim she stated could be verified by faculty cameras. Jovanić framed the incident as a learning experience, emphasizing her support for young artists and her intention not to show disrespect. However, the episode underscores a broader debate in Serbia about the boundaries between social media influence, public access to cultural institutions, and the protection of academic and artistic environments.

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Jako mi je žao ako sam bilo koga povredila i ugrozila nečiji rad. Zaista mi to nije bila namera. Preuzimam potpunu odgovornost. Ovo je lekcija za mene i za ubuduće. Važno mi je da napomenem da tokom fotografisanja nijedan rad nije dodirnut, pomeren, niti oštećen, što mogu potvrditi kamere fakulteta. Uvek sam podržavala mlade ljude i iskreno mi je žao ako se na bilo koji način stekao utisak nepoštovanja prema studentima, njihovom radu i samoj instituciji fakulteta