Our New Year interview is with Mark Tubić, a multi award-winning painter from Zrenjanin who lives and works in Belgrade. According to him, he doesn’t create works in a series – they are created in the moment, without previous sketches.  They are in a small format, although in the photographs they seem bigger.

After his studies at the Faculty of Mining and Geology, Marko enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Belgrade, and is currently completing his PhD art project under the supervision of Prof. Dr.  Milivoje  Miško Pavlović.

For more information about Marko’s work, visit his site: www.markotubic.com

 

When did you decide to take up art?

I have always drawn and I wasn’t prepared to compromise and become a mining engineer.

What does a typical working day look like? (Do you work at a particular time? How much time do you spend painting?)  

At the moment, I spend all my time working. I get up, paint, go to bed.

What are you working on at the moment?

50 things at the same time.

Is there anything you can’t imagine your studio without?

Plants

Do you have a favourite work?

No, I don’t.

What do you consider to be your biggest success?

Every good painting is a success in itself.

When and where was you last exhibition?

In September 2016, in the Academy of Fine Arts gallery.

Can you tell us a little more about it?

It was an exhibition of my PhD art project called “Towards the light”.

Where can your work be seen?

In private collections.

 

Do you have any role models?

I’ve always liked David Hockney’s attitude to art.  Immediacy, ease, serenity – that’s what I want.

In your opinion, who are the most important Serbian artists?

Tabaković, Sejka, Barili, Dobrović, Djurić, Reljić, Popović – they are to my personal taste.

What cultural event in Belgrade would you not miss?

I love Bitef.

 

What sculpture in a public space would you recommend that we see?

I’m often shocked by the location of sculptures and the pedestals they’re mounted on. They are ridiculous. No comment!

What is the best quality of Serbian contemporary art?

The quality of contemporary art should be sought in individual works that arouse emotions in you, devour you and leave you wanting more.

Can you recommend a movie about art?

I can’t think of anything special.

What kind of support is most necessary on the part of the state?

A clearer strategy for development and conservation would be desirable, as well as any other type of incentives, such as purchases, studios, etc.

What advice would you give to your younger colleagues?

Be brave and bold in every sense, especially in visual representations.

What is necessary in order to progress?

Positive people who are open.

 

Translation: Grainne Boyle Orlić