N12 (Art Group)

N12 was an artists' collective founded in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1949. The group comprised thirteen painters who shared a commitment to exploring abstraction and modern artistic expression within the context of post-World War II Yugoslavia. While the name implies twelve members (N12 referencing the Russian word for "twelve", "двенадцать"), the group actually had thirteen.

N12 emerged in a period when Socialist Realism was the dominant artistic style promoted by the state. As such, the group's focus on abstract and non-representational forms was considered a significant departure from the officially sanctioned art. Their work often incorporated elements of geometric abstraction, expressionism, and surrealism, reflecting an engagement with international art movements.

Key members of N12 included Lazar Vozarević, Stojan Ćelić, Aleksandar Luković, and Branislav Protić. Though unified by a shared artistic philosophy and collaborative exhibition efforts, each artist maintained a distinct individual style.

The group held several exhibitions in Belgrade and other cities throughout Yugoslavia during the 1950s, attracting both critical acclaim and controversy. Their work played a crucial role in introducing and promoting modern art to a wider Yugoslav audience, contributing to a more diverse and dynamic art scene. N12 disbanded in the early 1960s, with its members pursuing individual artistic careers. Despite its relatively short existence, N12 is remembered as a pivotal force in the development of modern art in Serbia and Yugoslavia.