As a part of the EU Horizon 2020 project “STECCI – Stone Monument Ensembles and the Climate Change Impact”, University of Donja Gorica has established a cooperation with Montenegrin artist and professor Anka Burić, a member of the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts. A significant part of Anka Burić’s artistic work focuses on the study of stećci across the Balkans, the results of which she made public through the project exhibition “Imprint of Time” presented in the Gallery of the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts.

As a part of the STECCI project’s activities at the University of Donja Gorica, an interview was conducted with the artist, where she discussed her lifelong connection to stećci, which she first encountered as a child near her hometown in Montenegro. Her fascination with these stone monuments deepened through her studies and travels, shaping her unique perspective on the relationship between stećci and art.

The artist places a canvas over the stećak and then, using touch, layers of charcoal in various granularities, and pastels, she transfers the relief onto the canvas. This technique is inspired by frottage, which later evolved into her “Arheografika”—a process through which stećci transition from an external space into an internal space.

Burić describes stećci as a bridge to the past and a source of philosophical and existential reflection. She highlights their rich symbolism, including crosses, floral motifs, and warrior depictions, and emphasizes the metaphysical experience of engaging with them. She firmly believes that art plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and advocates for greater public awareness and conservation efforts in Montenegro. Through her work, she demonstrates that artistic creativity can significantly contribute to the protection of cultural heritage.

She suggests developing marked trails, maps, and digital promotion to enhance tourism and education about stećci. As part of the project’s future activities, Anka will participate in Innovation Labs, where she will cooperate with students and guide them through artistic processes related to the preservation and promotion of stećci.

Anka Burić’s work demonstrates that a multidimensional approach—academic, scientific, professional, amateur, and artistic—is essential for generating knowledge and raising awareness about stećci.