The Luncheon on the Grass/Le Bain
after Hiroshige/Manet

The Luncheon on the Grass/Le Bain after Hiroshige/Manet -size reference-

It was 150 years ago that Edouard Manet stirred up the French art scene with his The Luncheon on the Grass/Le Bain. It was detachment of the female nude from historical or mythical allegories that shocked confused critics. Heresy and blasphemy of the tradition cherished with fake ideals, that only a man with strong will and political connections, or great fortune, can enjoy a picture of women nudes in safety of their homes, still, covered with religious, mythical or historical allegories. And Manet dared to show his work publicly.

At same time France was flooded with Ukiyo-e, artists were collecting shunga prints in their private collections, trying to understand sexual freedom that made them.

And here I am 150 years later trying to understand what happened, how we remained intolerant and aggressive toward sexual diversity. A naked woman from Manet´s painting is silently judging us.

Technique: acrylic on canvas

Size: 120 x 177 cm (47.24 x 69.68 inch)

Year: November 2011

Availability:  In Private Collection


100 Views of Ukiyo-e

During my exploration of the beginning of modern art (Impressionism and Post-Impressionism) I found myself surrounded by beautiful views of Ukiyo-e prints. They were my explanation to everything: modern/contemporary painting, design, illustration, comics and animation. Even more, I had to tell that to everyone. Firstly, I did impressions/interpretations of famous works of Hiroshige and Hokusai, but I couldn´t stop there… I finally found my call.100 Views of Ukiyo-e is my life mission to re-create new originals of selected 100 Ukiyo-e prints, new original painting in new oban size. It is divided in 4 Volumes of 25 canvases, some of the forming diptychs or triptychs. So far I have finished the first set that introduces several masters, styles and topics.

A review by Amalija Stojsavljević, art historian can be read here.


Volume I – Masters

The First Volume of series of paintings of the 100 Views of Ukiyo-e. This initial set was a practical part of my magistrate thesis in Arts at Academy of Fine Arts, Sarajevo. I tried to introduce great masters of Ukiyo-e, specific styles and topics from its begging to the end.

100 Views of Ukiyo-e, Volume I: Masters Exhibition Catalogue for Web