Boris (Oliver Tihi) Đukić

Oliver Tihi, born Boris Đukić in 1943 in the village of Nuglašica near Bosansko Grahovo, was a celebrated artist who made his mark in Verona, Italy. Renowned for his vibrant use of color and rich interpretations of exotic flowers, old sailing ships, nudes, and biblical scenes, Tihi earned the title of "Matisse's successor."

After World War II, in 1946, Tihi moved to Kikinda, where he lived in the Fourth District, now King Peter I Street. He attended the "Vuk Karadžić" elementary school, where his talent for art began to shine. Despite his international success, Kikinda remained dear to him, and he frequently returned to visit family and friends, generously donating many of his paintings to the town, factories, and frequently exhibiting in Bosansko Grahovo.

Tihi's journey in art began with his first studio in Makarska, and he later completed his art studies at the renowned "Accademia di Belle Arti" in Rome after being rejected by the Academy of Arts in Belgrade. He was the first painter to exhibit in Juliet's House in Verona and fostered friendships with notable figures like Alberto Moravia and Gabriele Zanardi. His interpretation of Italian neorealism caught the attention of Milan's "Corriere della Sera."

Throughout his career, Tihi exhibited his works in cities worldwide, including Verona, Rome, Paris, Berlin, Manchester, Copenhagen, Cologne, New Delhi, Kolkata, Dortmund, and Miami Beach. His works were recognized as national treasures in Italy.

Oliver Tihi passed away in Verona in 1996. His first and last exhibitions were held in Belgrade in 1961 and 1996, respectively. His legacy in art is immortalized through the vibrant colors and themes he explored on his canvases.