About

photo-ivan-todorovski

Photo: Ivan Todorovski

Irena Ristic is an artist and researcher in the fields of psychology, social science and art. Focused mostly on generative processes, collective and activist practices.

Graduated from the Faculty of Drama University of Arts in Belgrade, Department of Theater directing, followed by postgraduate studies of psychology of art at the Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology (MSc) and the Faculty of Fine Arts Department of Theory in Belgrade (PhD), as well as the specialised education at the Institute of Psychodrama (EAPTI, Belgrade/Vienna). Conducted a number of studies, art pieces, performances, and in-disciplined projects. Also known as the author of “Small door. About commoning and the paths of radical imagination” (2021), “Essays on friendship and possession” (2019), “Beginning and the end of creative process” (2010), co-author of “Psychology of creativity” (2013), the editor of “Taking care of the yard” (2017), and co-editor of the books “Theater within the context… And not just theater” (2016), “Theater and/in the times of war” (2009) and “On creativity and arts: Contemporary psychological research” (2015).

She is a co-founder of the micro collective Hop.La!, Full Professor in the Department of Theory and History at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts University of Arts in Belgrade, and associate of a number organisations on the independent cultural scene of Belgrade.

Artwork and actions

We are going to make something about war, gender and liberty, it will be titled What would Chelsea say to me [orig. Pravićemo nešto o ratu, rodu i slobodi, zvaće se: Šta bi rekla Čelsi meni], theatre inquire of Manning case / Hop.La! @Podroom Gallery Cultural Centre Belgrade, 2023. >>

Mathematics of Darkness, research & performance, Digital Anthropology #9 @Haus des Waldens, Berlin, 2022. >>

A hunger artist [orig. Umetnik u gladovanju], performance by the book of Franz Kafka / ULUS @Pavillion “Cvijeta Zuzoric” Belgrade, 2021.

Under-the-table [orig. Krišom], research & audio documentary / Drama program Radio Belgrade, 2020. >>

Surplus Value [orig. Višak vrednosti], action research / Hop.La! @ Shabac City Theatre, 2019. >>

On friendship and possession [orig. Ogledno o drugarstvu i posedovanju], game, talk & exhibition / Hop.La!@ Crocodile Center for contemporary literature, 2019. >>

Taking Away [orig. Oduzimanje], performance traces within the exhibition When the Other Meets the Other Other [orig. Kada se Drugi susreće sa drugim Drugim] @Cultural center Belgrade, 2017.

The rehearsal [orig. Proba], research and installation / Actopolis project Formally Informal Goethe Institute @ Museum of City of Belgrade, Serbia and Oberhausen, Germany, 2016. >>

Self-Scape [orig. Autopejzaž], video essay / Hop.La! – Honorable Mention from the Jury of Experimental Competition at the 34th Festival Tous Courts in Aix en Provence 2016. >>

Thus spoke Irena Ristic [orig. Šta kaže Irena Ristić?], research & performance / Hop.La!@Rex, Belgrade, 2015. >>

Careful observation [orig. Pažljivo posmatranje], research & performance / Hop.La!@Rex, Belgrade, 2014. >>

Just an ordinary cinema: Unpaired [orig. Običan jedan bioskop: Nepar], expanded cinema / Hop.La!@Rex, Belgrade, 2013. >>

The Site [orig.Lice mesta], public art youth program / Hop.La! @13th Bitef Poliphony, Belgrade outdoor, 2012

process_K [proces_K], research and performance / Hop.La!@Cultural center City/Grad, Belgrade, 2011. >>

Appetite [orig. Apetit], video experiment /Hop.La! – Golden medal for best experimental film at 57th Documentary and Short Film Festival Belgrade 2011. >>

Good questions club [orig. Klub dobrih pitanja], art mentorship youth program / Hop.La! @Cultural centre Parobrod, 2010

Room of the little fears [orig. Soba malih strahova], expanded cinema / Hop.La!@Rex, Belgrade, 2009. >>

Pride & Prejudices [orig. Gordost i predrasude], art mentorship youth program focused onto prejudgments and radicalization the life manners in local community / Hop.La! @Cultural centre Stari Grad, 9th Bitef Poliphony, 2009.

I & Thou+Something in Between, crosscultural experiment by the book of M. Buber, Hop.La! @Cultural centre Stari Grad, 8th Bitef Poliphony, 2007.

Autopsy [orig. Obdukcija], performance/ Hop.La! & Ah.Ahilej@Museum of Contemporary Arts, Belgrade, 2005.

Books

Ristić, I. (2021). Mala vrata. O zajedničkom i putevima radikalne imaginacije [Small door. About commoning and the paths of radical imagination]. Beograd: Geopoetika ISBN: 978-86-6145-372-4.

Ristic, I. (2019). Ogledi o drugarstvu i posedovanju [Essays on friendship and possession]. Beograd: Geopoetika ISBN: 978-86-6145-317-5

Ristić, I. (2010). Početak i kraj kreativnog procesa [The beginning and the end of creative process]. Beograd: Hop.La! ISBN: 978-86-914149-0-0

Mandić, T. & Ristić, I. (2013/2014). Psihologija kreativnosti [Psychology of creativity]. Beograd: Institut za pozorište, film, radio i televiziju Fakulteta dramskih umetnosti u Beogradu ISBN: 978‐86‐82101‐47‐5

Complete bibliography is available here.

Counter-curating

The end of capitalism. The point of good-buy. ULUS Spring exhibition 2023 [orig. Prolećna izložba ULUS-a Kraj kapitalizma. Tačka doviđenja], in collaboration with PI Committee @Pavillion “Cvijeta Zuzoric” Belgrade, May 3 – 21 2023.

Art and Society. ULUS Spring exhibition 2022 [orig. Prolećna izložba Umetnost i društvo], in collaboration with M. Ivić and PI Committee @Pavillion “Cvijeta Zuzoric” Belgrade, April 7-30 2022.

Invisible portrait. ULUS Spring exhibition 2021 [orig. Prolećna izložba Nevidljivi portret], in collaboration with M. Ivić and PI Committee @Pavillion “Cvijeta Zuzoric” Belgrade, May 13 – June 4 2021.

Taking care of the yard [orig. Sređivanje dvorišta], NKSS dialogue platform, editor & coordinator /@MKM &Umetnobil, Belgrade, 2014-2017.

Bitef Poliphony, side program of BITEF, 2007-2023.

Theatre directing (selection)

White mane [orig. Bela griva], carousel performance after the book of R. Guillot @ Shabac City Theatre, 2019. >>

Gamma Cas, performance by M. Bogavac @National theatre “Toša Jovanović”, Zrenjanin, 2009.

Saga, performance / Hop.La!@CZKD, Belgrade, Serbia, 2006.

On the way … Seeking by the play of P. Handke @Washerei P, Hall in Tyrol, Austria / Schauspielschule Zerboni, Munchen(GER), Associazione Teatrale Pirate Ship,Bergamo (IT) and Nothdurft Verein fur Theater, Hall in Tirol (AUS), 2003.

Kangaroo Skin Shoes by K. Milutinovic @Belgrade Drama Theatre, Serbia, 1999.

La Dame aux camélias by A. Dumas Fils @National Theater of Republic of Serbia, Banjaluka, 1998.

The best team on the world by S. Koprivica @Children scene Narional Theater Krusevac, 1997.

Man ist man by B. Breht @Belgrade Drama Theatre, 1996.

Madam Olga by M. Bojic @National Theater “Sterija”,Vrsac, Serbia, 1996.

Too much reality by Z. Videnovic @KPGT, Belgrade, Serbia, 1996.

Mousetrap by A. Christie @Belgrade Drama Theater. Serbia, 1995.

Love on first sight by A. Popovic @Children Scene Dusko Radovic, Belgrade, Serbia, 1995.

Men at the table by S. Valjarevic, I. Piper @PPP Fest, Rex Belgrade, Serbia, 1995.

Love of Perlimplin and Belisa by F. G. Lorca @Agora fest, Itaca & Skordisci, Becej, Serbia, 1994.

Notorious @Evening Stage Dusko Radovic, Belgrade, 1993.

Quartet by H. Muller @Belgrade Drama Theater, Serbia, 1992.

As It Happen Before… by N. Milic @New stage Crnjanski, Belgrade, 1991.

Research projects (selected)

EPICA – Empowering Participation In Culture and Architecture. Activating public resources for and with community Faculty of Dramatic Arts University of arts Belgrade, 2022-25. >>

ARTIS – Art and Research on Transformations of Individuals and Societies. University of Vienna, Faculty of Psychology & Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, 2020-2023. >>

NEP4DISSENT – New exploratory phase in research of East European cultures of dissent, Cost Action CA16213, 2018.

Working in the field of art. Towards Horizontality in Art. research and dialogue program / ULUS, Belgrade, 2020-21. >>

On kindness [O ljubaznosti], research action / Hop.La! & Organization of Nice Theatre Directors, 2018. >>

Program editing & conducting (selected)

Hop.La!, program editor, 2006-2024.

PaM Psychology and Music Interdisciplinary encounters, board member @ Rectorate University of Arts in Belgrade, 2022.

IETM Belgrade Plenary Meeting, board member @BITEF, MtS, 2022.

Film and Analytical Psychology International conference, board member @Museum of Yugoslav Film Archive with International Association for Analytical Psychology, 2023.

Impacts and the scope of contemporary immersive practices, with Adam Alston, Rose Biggin, Luisiana Lara, Sepe Bayens & Milica Ivić, concept and conducting @ 53th BITEF side program, 2019.

Little festival of psychodrame, workshop conductor with Sue Daniels, Tomi Janežić, Lada Kaštelan & Vladimir Milošević @Workcenter for artistic research, creation, residency and education Krušče Slovenia 2018.

Theatre within the context … And not just theater, International Symposium, program director @16th Bitef Poliphony, Zaprokul, 2015.

Awards

We are going to make something about war, gender and liberty, it will be titled What would Chelsea say to me , Special award for experimental approach of Reflector Theatre Festival 2023.

White mane: Director Award, Festival Little Joakim, 2019.

Self-scape: Honorable Mention from the Jury of Experimental Competition at the 34th Festival Tous Courts in Aix en Provence 2016.

Apettite: Golden medal for best experimental film at 57th Documentary and Short Film Festival Belgrade 2011.

Early-stage Researcher Award, Psihologija Journal, 2016.

Generation Z: Best youth policy project of City of Belgrade in 2011.

***

E: ir.ristic@gmail.com
W: irena-ristic.com

ORCID >> ResearchGate >> Back to works >>

Photo: Ivan Todorovski

Irena Ristic is an artist and researcher in the fields of psychology, social science and art. Focused mostly on generative processes, collective and activist practices.

She is a co-founder of the micro collective Hop.La!, Full Professor in the Department of Theory and History at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts University of Arts in Belgrade, and associate of a number organisations on the independent cultural scene of Belgrade.

Artwork and actions

We are going to make something about war, gender and liberty, it will be titled What would Chelsea say to me [orig. Pravićemo nešto o ratu, rodu i slobodi, zvaće se: Šta bi rekla Čelsi meni], theatre inquire of Manning case / Hop.La! @Podroom Gallery Cultural Centre Belgrade, 2023. >>

Mathematics of Darkness, research & performance, Digital Anthropology #9 @Haus des Waldens, Berlin, 2022. >>

A hunger artist [orig. Umetnik u gladovanju], performance by the book of Franz Kafka / ULUS @Pavillion “Cvijeta Zuzoric” Belgrade, 2021.

Under-the-table [orig. Krišom], research & audio documentary / Drama program Radio Belgrade, 2020. >>

Surplus Value [orig. Višak vrednosti], action research / Hop.La! @ Shabac City Theatre, 2019. >>

On friendship and possession [orig. Ogledno o drugarstvu i posedovanju], game, talk & exhibition / Hop.La!@ Crocodile Center for contemporary literature, 2019. >>

Taking Away [orig. Oduzimanje], performance traces within the exhibition When the Other Meets the Other Other [orig. Kada se Drugi susreće sa drugim Drugim] @Cultural center Belgrade, 2017.

The rehearsal [orig. Proba], research and installation / Actopolis project Formally Informal Goethe Institute @ Museum of City of Belgrade, Serbia and Oberhausen, Germany, 2016. >>

Self-Scape [orig. Autopejzaž], video essay / Hop.La! – Honorable Mention from the Jury of Experimental Competition at the 34th Festival Tous Courts in Aix en Provence 2016. >>

Thus spoke Irena Ristic [orig. Šta kaže Irena Ristić?], research & performance / Hop.La!@Rex, Belgrade, 2015. >>

Careful observation [orig. Pažljivo posmatranje], research & performance / Hop.La!@Rex, Belgrade, 2014. >>

Just an ordinary cinema: Unpaired [orig. Običan jedan bioskop: Nepar], expanded cinema / Hop.La!@Rex, Belgrade, 2013. >>

The Site [orig.Lice mesta], public art youth program / Hop.La! @13th Bitef Poliphony, Belgrade outdoor, 2012

process_K [proces_K], research and performance / Hop.La!@Cultural center City/Grad, Belgrade, 2011. >>

Appetite [orig. Apetit], video experiment /Hop.La! – Golden medal for best experimental film at 57th Documentary and Short Film Festival Belgrade 2011. >>

Good questions club [orig. Klub dobrih pitanja], art mentorship youth program / Hop.La! @Cultural centre Parobrod, 2010

Room of the little fears [orig. Soba malih strahova], expanded cinema / Hop.La!@Rex, Belgrade, 2009. >>

Pride & Prejudices [orig. Gordost i predrasude], art mentorship youth program focused onto prejudgments and radicalization the life manners in local community / Hop.La! @Cultural centre Stari Grad, 9th Bitef Poliphony, 2009.

I & Thou+Something in Between, crosscultural experiment by the book of M. Buber, Hop.La! @Cultural centre Stari Grad, 8th Bitef Poliphony, 2007.

Autopsy [orig. Obdukcija], performance/ Hop.La! & Ah.Ahilej@Museum of Contemporary Arts, Belgrade, 2005.

Books

Ristić, I. (2021). Mala vrata. O zajedničkom i putevima radikalne imaginacije [Small door. About commoning and the paths of radical imagination]. Beograd: Geopoetika ISBN: 978-86-6145-372-4.

Ristic, I. (2019). Ogledi o drugarstvu i posedovanju [Essays on friendship and possession]. Beograd: Geopoetika ISBN: 978-86-6145-317-5

Ristić, I. (2010). Početak i kraj kreativnog procesa [The beginning and the end of creative process]. Beograd: Hop.La! ISBN: 978-86-914149-0-0

Mandić, T. & Ristić, I. (2013/2014). Psihologija kreativnosti [Psychology of creativity]. Beograd: Institut za pozorište, film, radio i televiziju Fakulteta dramskih umetnosti u Beogradu ISBN: 978‐86‐82101‐47‐5

Complete bibliography is available here.

Counter-curating

The end of capitalism. The point of good-buy. ULUS Spring exhibition 2023 [orig. Prolećna izložba ULUS-a Kraj kapitalizma. Tačka doviđenja], in collaboration with PI Committee @Pavillion “Cvijeta Zuzoric” Belgrade, May 3 – 21 2023.

Art and Society. ULUS Spring exhibition 2022 [orig. Prolećna izložba Umetnost i društvo], in collaboration with M. Ivić and PI Committee @Pavillion “Cvijeta Zuzoric” Belgrade, April 7-30 2022.

Invisible portrait. ULUS Spring exhibition 2021 [orig. Prolećna izložba Nevidljivi portret], in collaboration with M. Ivić and PI Committee @Pavillion “Cvijeta Zuzoric” Belgrade, May 13 – June 4 2021.

Taking care of the yard [orig. Sređivanje dvorišta], NKSS dialogue platform, editor & coordinator /@MKM &Umetnobil, Belgrade, 2014-2017.

Bitef Poliphony, side program of BITEF, 2007-2023.

Theatre directing (selection)

White mane [orig. Bela griva], carousel performance after the book of R. Guillot @ Shabac City Theatre, 2019. >>

Gamma Cas, performance by M. Bogavac @National theatre “Toša Jovanović”, Zrenjanin, 2009.

Saga, performance / Hop.La!@CZKD, Belgrade, Serbia, 2006.

On the way … Seeking by the play of P. Handke @Washerei P, Hall in Tyrol, Austria / Schauspielschule Zerboni, Munchen(GER), Associazione Teatrale Pirate Ship,Bergamo (IT) and Nothdurft Verein fur Theater, Hall in Tirol (AUS), 2003.

Kangaroo Skin Shoes by K. Milutinovic @Belgrade Drama Theatre, Serbia, 1999.

La Dame aux camélias by A. Dumas Fils @National Theater of Republic of Serbia, Banjaluka, 1998.

The best team on the world by S. Koprivica @Children scene Narional Theater Krusevac, 1997.

Man ist man by B. Breht @Belgrade Drama Theatre, 1996.

Madam Olga by M. Bojic @National Theater “Sterija”,Vrsac, Serbia, 1996.

Too much reality by Z. Videnovic @KPGT, Belgrade, Serbia, 1996.

Mousetrap by A. Christie @Belgrade Drama Theater. Serbia, 1995.

Love on first sight by A. Popovic @Children Scene Dusko Radovic, Belgrade, Serbia, 1995.

Men at the table by S. Valjarevic, I. Piper @PPP Fest, Rex Belgrade, Serbia, 1995.

Love of Perlimplin and Belisa by F. G. Lorca @Agora fest, Itaca & Skordisci, Becej, Serbia, 1994.

Notorious @Evening Stage Dusko Radovic, Belgrade, 1993.

Quartet by H. Muller @Belgrade Drama Theater, Serbia, 1992.

As It Happen Before… by N. Milic @New stage Crnjanski, Belgrade, 1991.

Research projects (selected)

EPICA – Empowering Participation In Culture and Architecture. Activating public resources for and with community Faculty of Dramatic Arts University of arts Belgrade, 2022-25. >>

ARTIS – Art and Research on Transformations of Individuals and Societies. University of Vienna, Faculty of Psychology & Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, 2020-2023. >>

NEP4DISSENT – New exploratory phase in research of East European cultures of dissent, Cost Action CA16213, 2018.

Working in the field of art. Towards Horizontality in Art. research and dialogue program / ULUS, Belgrade, 2020-21. >>

On kindness [O ljubaznosti], research action / Hop.La! & Organization of Nice Theatre Directors, 2018. >>

Program editing & conducting (selected)

Hop.La!, program editor, 2006-2024.

PaM Psychology and Music Interdisciplinary encounters, board member @ Rectorate University of Arts in Belgrade, 2022.

IETM Belgrade Plenary Meeting, board member @BITEF, MtS, 2022.

Film and Analytical Psychology International conference, board member @Museum of Yugoslav Film Archive with International Association for Analytical Psychology, 2023.

Impacts and the scope of contemporary immersive practices, with Adam Alston, Rose Biggin, Luisiana Lara, Sepe Bayens & Milica Ivić, concept and conducting @ 53th BITEF side program, 2019.

Little festival of psychodrame, workshop conductor with Sue Daniels, Tomi Janežić, Lada Kaštelan & Vladimir Milošević @Workcenter for artistic research, creation, residency and education Krušče Slovenia 2018.

Theatre within the context … And not just theater, International Symposium, program director @16th Bitef Poliphony, Zaprokul, 2015.

Awards

We are going to make something about war, gender and liberty, it will be titled What would Chelsea say to me , Special award for experimental approach of Reflector Theatre Festival 2023.

White mane: Director Award, Festival Little Joakim, 2019.

Self-scape: Honorable Mention from the Jury of Experimental Competition at the 34th Festival Tous Courts in Aix en Provence 2016.

Apettite: Golden medal for best experimental film at 57th Documentary and Short Film Festival Belgrade 2011.

Early-stage Researcher Award, Psihologija Journal, 2016.

Generation Z: Best youth policy project of City of Belgrade in 2011.

***

E: ir.ristic@gmail.com W: irena-ristic.com

ORCID >> ResearchGate >> Back to works >>

E: ir.ristic@gmail.com
W: irena-ristic.com