War of the Dragons
after the Unknown Master

War of the Dragons after the Unknown Master -size reference-

This diptych is one of my favorite works. At a first glance it looks like a childish scene and as a matter of fact protagonists on each panel are famous folklore characters. On the left panel is Momotaro, Peach boy, found in a peach, and other is Kintaro, Golden boy, born and raised in a mountain, by a mountain. Both had ability to communicate with animals and they fought demos etc., but Momotaro is based on real person, while Kintaro is not.

Now, we might wonder what is going on this view and why the author didn´t sign this piece. Well, if you have seen movie The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise, that is what is happening. It is a political comment on Boshin war, an attempt of shogunate to reclaim the ruling power over Japan. Kintaro is obviously representing emperor and his forces and Momotaro, a shogun. Now, I guess, it´s not hard to spot Tom Cruise in the room.

Technique: acrylic on canvas

Size: diptych 177 x 240 cm
(69.68 x 94.48 inch);
each panel 177 x 120 cm
(69.68 x 47.24 inch)

Year: October 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