Novak Slunjski

Brezice, Slovenia

Abstract Artist

Novak Slunjski builds a personal, independent expression. His paintings are multilayered. He mainly uses acrylic paints, various mixed techniques and collages. Apart from paints he uses unconventional painting material such as plaster, sand, pieces of canvas or similar fabric, burned paper, corrugated paper, coffee, sugar and other.

Novak Slunjski- painter of an old style abstract art !

I believe in the power of the first move that triggers the idea. The invisible instinct drives me to create and I trust this instinct the most. In front of the canvas, with brush in my hand, I am the most self. Fully exist. Without thoughts. Only canvas and brush. The paradox is in the act, so long as you do not see, you do not know what it is, what it is for.

Marijan Novak Slunjski, after getting a degree in art education at the Zagreb Academy of Fine Arts, he continued his studies in Rome with painter Piero Pizzi Canelli and in Venice with master Emilo Vedova. On his artistic path he has met established artists and teachers, but above all he learned about art and explored it by visiting the world’s galleries, reading academic literature, fiction, poetry and art magazines, and by continuously observing and studying everything in depth. Thus he has developed his own style, which is not dictated by trends, but by his mission that materializes in the moment when the painter touches the canvas.

 

At what age did you know you wanted to be an artist?
When I think about that question, I don’t find the real answer. Now I would say, I am an artist all of my life, even though I know it is not true. First I was more in sport, I played football, I was even in national team
What is the earliest artwork you did that you can remember?
I remember the sculpture of the president of our country that I made in primary school. It was send to a national competition and I have won first prize. It was great honour, my family, my teachers were very proud.

I have some of my earliest works in my parents house and sometimes I am amazed what I have created.

Which classical or contemporary artists have inspired you?
I did not immediately began to paint abstract. I am learning all the time, seeking inspiration in poetry, philosophy, the old masters. My style is changing, as is the history of painting evolved from the Gothic, Renaissance through Impressionism to abstract painting. I have spent hundreds of hours in galleries, watching great works and trying to “feel and understand” them. My teachers are the greatest Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Modigliani, Pollock, de Kooning and Italian maestro Emilio Vedova. In his studio, with him I have spent some time in nineties.
How would you describe your artistic style?
I am the painter of an old abstract art. I exist to paint.

My colors are white, red, black, yellow and orange. All innumerable shades of black, that can be used to create an infinite variety of visions and feelings.

I do not look at the trends. I don’t paint to be famous. I believe that painting is hard work, that’s why I honestly, consistently work. Paint. My paintings are not for everyone. I do not want to be likeable, my paintings do not tend to be decorative. I also don’t deal with messages, with a purpose of my painting. I leave that to the viewer. Image is the message, a provocation, what in that right moment understands, sees the viewer.

What's your workstyle? Do you work on one piece at a time or work simultaneously on multiple pieces?
Jazz music, myself and painting until dawn. That is my usual routine.
How do you get the inspiration for a new piece?
I believe in the power of the first move that triggers the idea. The invisible instinct drives me to create and I trust this instinct the most. In front of the canvas, with brush in my hand, I am the most self. Fully exist. Without thoughts. Only canvas and brush. The paradox is in the act, so long as you do not see, you do not know what it is, what it is for.
Tell us a bit about your personal life ...
I paint. That’s all that matters. Everything else is “patching” the possibility that I can be a painter. I am the eternal nomad. In life, I’ve moved 28 times. I travel in search of new experiences and knowledge, to verify, compare outside.
“I often say, everybody is talking, only artists have no words. So I am talking to you with my art. In my paintings you see real me.”

A few pieces from Novak Slunjski’s gallery

Blue Abstract

Yellow Abstract

Why they love Novak Slunjski’s art

Cass Stoddart, Artist

“Fantastic body of work, full of expression and freedom, love it.”

Syd Xinos, USA

“Novak was a pleasure to deal with. He communicated with us throughout the process, and packaged his painting very well for the long journey. We were pleased with the process, and delighted with the final product.”

More about Novak Slunjski

Shows & Exhibitions
Venezia (2018), Firenze (2017), Udine (2016, 2017), Zagreb (2017), Trieste (2016), Layerjeva hiša Kranj, Slovenia (2016), New York (2009, 2010), Padua (2006, 2007), Bologna (2006), Bratislava (2006), Berlin (2000), London, Frankfurt (permanent exhibition), Madrid, Roma.

My paintings are part of interior of London’s restaurant Zebrano, which was shortlisted top 5 in a globally recognised competition dedicated to the design of spaces Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in september 2016.

I have also colaborated with fashion designer Antonio Maras.

Let’s go to Novak Slunjski’s gallery >>