Kovačica naïve art is unique and presents the visual expression of self-taught painters from the Slovak minority in Serbia. It is particularly associated with the municipality of Kovačica in Vojvodina, where its foundations were laid and the number of practitioners is highest. Thus, Kovačica has become a synonym for this authentic style, which has earned global recognition. It was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024. The roots of naïve art in Kovačica date back to the 1930s, when its inhabitants began to depict their everyday life, traditions, folklore and the beauty of the surrounding countryside on canvas. The pioneers, Martin Paluška and Ján Sokol, were followed by other painters, who mainly came from Kovačica and Padina. They were all self-taught and only wished to express their memories, feelings and love of their birthplace.
The works by the artists of Kovačica are characterised by bright colours, idealised figures and rich detail, which together create a remarkable atmosphere. They are full of colour and childlike honesty, making them special within the world naïve art scene. The artists mainly use oil paints and prefer bright hues that stress their positive view of the world. The most famous representatives of Kovačica naïve art are Zuzana Chalupová and Martin Jonáš, their works have gained international recognition and are displayed at prestigious exhibitions. Their artistic heritage inspires a new generation of painters who continue the development and tradition of this artistic language.
In 1955, the Gallery of Naïve Painters, today the Gallery of Naïve Art, was established in Kovačica. It is a centre for the presentation and promotion of this style. Another important private gallery, the Babka Gallery, was founded in 1991 and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of naïve art. Thus, the naïve art of Kovačica continues as a lively expression of Slovak culture in Vojvodina and is highly regarded worldwide. Slovak post realised this issue according to suggest of Serbian post to put this topic into the Representative list of intangible cultural heritage UNESCO. That is why this issue consists of several works or artists: Zuzana Chalupová (design of postage stamp) Pavel Hajko (FDC overprint) and Zuzana Vereski (FDC cancellation).
Katarína Pucovská
