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In Conversation with Lucia Jerič Palić

In Lucia Jerič’s gallery, there is no classic “children’s corner” but Indi found one anyway. Between the artworks, the walls, and conversations that drift easily from art into everyday life, she moves with quiet confidence, as if she knows the space belongs to her too. She observes, leads the game, and, from time to time, takes the floor entirely.

For Iliya Projects, a series of encounters through which Iliya is building a new community of people, we spent a morning with Lucia and her daughter, Indi, in the space of her Zagreb gallery. Having spent much of her childhood in her father’s gallery, Lucia is now shaping a space of her own. After working in a Roman gallery and gaining experience at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, she returned to Zagreb and continued to shape a gallery that today naturally brings together her professional and personal world.

Here, where art, motherhood, and everyday life meet without much ceremony, Indi has an opinion on almost every artwork and detail. Lucia is in a season where everything is happening at once: the gallery, renovation, moving, and the anticipation of a new baby. Still, within that full rhythm, there is a certain calm. This is a conversation about a space that is not only a gallery, about clothing that lets a child be a child, and about the small everyday moments we only later understand as the ones that mattered most.

Tell us a little about yourself. What do your days look like lately?

Lately, I’m doing my best to be present in all aspects – the gallery, which is my job, my passion and a big part of who I am, something I’m still building. Of course, there’s Indi, who will always be my priority. For the last few weeks, she’s been out of kindergarten, so we’ve been spending most days together at the gallery. I’m incredibly grateful to my parents and mother-in-law, who help out and give me the space to focus on work, as well as the occasional moment to myself and time with my husband.

On top of that, we’re in the middle of a renovation and preparing for a move, so life feels pretty full. And then there’s the pregnancy. I’m taking care of myself as much as I can, but there are moments when I genuinely forget I’m pregnant at all.

What three words best describe Indi?

Resolute, bright, humorous.

What does her little world look like right now?

Her little world right now is filled with drawings, both fantasies and serious conversations, and the quiet excitement of discovering that she can create and direct those worlds herself. She’s beginning to experience a greater sense of herself as her own person. I feel like her world is probably a mix of imagination and reality and growing competence – “I can do this myself.”

What does good children’s clothing mean to you?

For me, good children’s clothing starts with comfort. I look for natural, high-quality materials that feel good on the skin and allow her to move, play, and be a child without restrictions. You’ll rarely see her in fancy dresses or tight, uncomfortable clothes. I want her to feel comfortable and confident in what she’s wearing.
She loves her Iliya pants 🙂

Which piece from your own childhood, or from hers, would you like to keep?

I don’t think I have anything from my early childhood apart from photo albums and the most amazing memories. I believe that’s what matters most, so that’s what we’re trying to collect for her as well.

Does she already have her own opinion about what she wants to wear?

She has her own opinion on literally everything.

What does she most often choose by herself: a color, a piece, shoes, or a small detail?

She likes having a say in what she wears, but not necessarily complete control. Sometimes she’ll choose her shoes, sometimes a piece of clothing, and often the finishing touches happen naturally as we’re getting ready to leave. More often than not, she’ll grab a little something on the way out – a toy, a doll accessory, or some random treasure she’s decided is essential for the day’s adventures.

I like giving her the freedom to express herself, but I have to admit, I don’t let her choose the entire outfit. I’m not quite that fun mum who’s happy to let her leave the house looking like a rainbow pirate princess in rain boots and fairy wings! I think there’s a happy middle ground -she gets to make her own choices and show her personality, and I just make sure the final result still resembles an actual outfit.

Is there a piece she wears completely in her own way?

I cannot think of anything now but the fact she wears her beanies up until May 😂

What is your favorite part of working in a gallery?

The dynamics of it, not a single day is the same. I love building relationships and representing artists, as well as organizing exhibitions and dealing with clients.

What small ritual from this age would you like to remember?

Our breakfast dates and bed time stories she narrates.

How would you describe motherhood in this season of life?

I feel like I constantly have to act one step ahead, which is probably the reality of motherhood. At the same time, we’re entering an easier phase as she’s starting to be more reasonable. At the end of the day, I would say it’s the most rewarding role I’ve experienced.

What do you think children notice that adults often miss?

I think it’s the details and the feelings around them. There is a Japanese idea of teaching children to “read the room,” and I really love that. But I also think it’s something that comes quite naturally to many children.

It’s a way of seeing the world that I think many adults could benefit from holding onto a little longer.

To see more of Lucia’s work and life, go to her Instagram profile @jericlucia or @galerija_kaptol

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