Jugoslav Ocokoljić

Jugoslav Ocokoljić, born on July 10, 1951, in Split, was a Serbian painter, iconographer, and restorer. He graduated in conservation and restoration from the Higher School of Applied Arts in Belgrade in 1986, under Professor Miša Mladenović. Ocokoljić was a member of ULUS (Association of Fine Artists of Serbia), SAA in Los Angeles, and ICHAW in London.

His artistic work was deeply rooted in the study of traditional Orthodox iconography and medieval religious art. He also drew inspiration from Renaissance art and the avant-garde group “Mediala,” blending these influences with elements of contemporary art. His approach to painting was marked by symbolic depth and a deliberate avoidance of easily recognizable forms, aiming to bridge the gap between sacred and secular visual language.

In addition to his visual art, Ocokoljić was a prolific writer and translator. He authored and translated several important texts on iconography and theology, including Posne slikarske tehnike, Ikona, pisanje, čitanje i sozercanje sa teologijom ikone, and translations of works by L. Uspensky, V. Lossky, R. Temple, and E. Sendler.

His legacy includes a rich body of icons, paintings, and theoretical writings that contributed significantly to modern iconography and the dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression.