Ljubomir Milinkov

Born in Sovac, a small town 100 kilometers from Belgrade, Serbia, Ljubomir Milinkov embarked on a journey that led him to a prestigious career as a Hermès scarf designer. His journey began with a voyage to France in 1962, where he found inspiration amidst the vibrant art scene, bohemian lifestyle, and beautiful models at the Place du Tertre in Montmartre.

After venturing to the United States in 1967, Milinkov spent six months driving across the country in a Cadillac hearse, an adventure that culminated in exhibiting his art at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair in 1969. Despite an offer to attend the New York School of Fine Arts, Milinkov chose to continue his artistic exploration independently, earning him the informal titles of graduate of the Fine Arts Schools of “Nulle part” (Nowhere) and “Everywhere.”

In 1972, Milinkov held his first solo exhibition at the Masur Museum of Art in Monroe, Louisiana. A year later, he joined the Wally Findlay International Gallery, which led to exhibitions in prestigious locations across the globe, from New York and Beverly Hills to Paris. Among his achievements during this time was the purchase of his tapestry “Noah’s Ark n° 1” by the royal family of Saudi Arabia.

Milinkov’s acclaimed collaboration with Hermès began in 1982, creating his first Carré, Jardin Enchanté. This was followed by the creation of Gavroches scarves, La Cavale Joyeuse and Les Ailes pleines de Joie in 1998, and later in 2013, the Carré Bateau Fleuri. His emblematic “Jardin Enchanté” was the chosen representative of Hermès’ participation in the 150th anniversary of Central Park, New York, in 1983.

Throughout his career, Milinkov encountered both success and tragedy. In 2000, his “Twin Towers” paintings were displayed in New York just a year before the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Despite twenty of his paintings being stolen in 2002, they were later recovered, and Milinkov continued to hold exhibitions in France, Italy, and the United States.

Over the years, Milinkov has received several awards for his work, including the International Grand Prix for painting and sculpture, the Bronze Medal “Art en Capitale” (2002), and the “Giant of Fine Arts” “Art en Capital” prize (2016). Most recently, in 2018, he was invited to exhibit his work for the first time in China, further establishing his influence in the global art scene.

A true visionary, Ljubomir Milinkov is remembered not only for his bold and inspiring designs at Hermès but also for his dedication to art, his unique exploration of creativity, and his unyielding spirit. His career serves as a reminder that art is an exploration of life – an exploration that takes us on a journey from “Nulle part” to “Everywhere.”

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