Mia Markušić's solo exhibition "Above the Island" at Lauba
Lauba – House for People and Art presents the exhibition "Above the Island" , a new series of works by young artist Mia Markušić , which is being held as part of the Send It On program . The exhibition will be open from February 22 to 24 , and the grand opening will be held on February 22 at 7:00 PM . This Lauba program is aimed at presenting and promoting young artists.
There is something universal about memories of summer moments spent by the sea – the sound of waves crashing against the shore, the twinkle of sunlight on the surface of the water, the laughter of children running on the sand. These simple, yet emotionally powerful experiences often remain deeply etched in our minds, becoming part of our personal memories. It is precisely these motifs and emotions that Mia Markušić explores in her new series of works, Above the Island , where she explores through painting and sculpture how nature, memories and introspection shape our experience of space and time.
Art as introspection: returning to memories through color and form
At the heart of this series is the idea of the observer – a person who not only absorbs the scenes around them, but transforms them into visual expression through their own inner world. Mia attempts to capture this very process through paintings and sculptures – the transition between the momentary experience and its re-experiencing through memory.
The island of Rab, where Mia stayed, became an inexhaustible source of inspiration for this series. The sea, sand, sun and wind do not function here only as scenographic elements but as active participants in the creative process. The sounds of the wilderness, the cries of seagulls, the rhythmicity of the sea waves – all these are stimuli that have found their equivalent in the brush strokes and materiality of the sculptures.
Her works do not only depict physical forms, but also sensations. The images feature the silhouettes of swimmers, the flickering light on the sea surface, the dynamic moments of summer. But what is most interesting is the way these elements are depicted – with quick, expressive strokes, free layers of paint that flow across the entire surface of the painting.
The voids and shapes function almost like silence in music – they are not just the absence of color or form, but serve as elements that enhance the atmosphere and give the works additional depth. With this way of expression, Mia creates images that not only depict certain scenes, but also communicate a feeling – nostalgia, peace, the warmth of a summer day.
From canvas to sculpture
One of the most interesting aspects of the exhibition Above the Island is the way Mia moves from two-dimensional to three-dimensional space. She does not limit her motifs to the painting surface, but also transfers them into sculptures made of polyurethane foam.
This material, often associated with industrial production, takes on a completely new role in Mia's work – it becomes distinctly artistic, soft and manipulable, perfect for her expressive way of working. The sculptures are not strictly defined, but rather give the impression of being in a constant process of transformation, similar to memories that change over time.
This approach opens up a new question - how can different media convey the same motif? While some scenes are more suitable for painting, others fully come to life in three-dimensional space. The question of materiality becomes crucial in this process – the surface of the painting and the texture of the sculpture are not only visual elements, but also tactile aspects that invite the viewer to connect even more deeply with the works.
About the artist: a young force of Croatian contemporary art
Mia Markušić (2000) was born in Zagreb, where she graduated from the School of Applied Arts and Design. She is currently studying painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb in the class of Professor Matko Vekić. Despite her youth, she has already achieved an enviable career, participating in numerous group and solo exhibitions.
Her works have been shown at exhibitions such as the Biennale of Painting 2023 , Erste Fragments 2024 , ALU Perspektiva 2023, and many other relevant contemporary art events. Her artistic practice is based on experimentation with different techniques and media, exploring the boundaries between image, object, and space.
Her latest exhibition, Above the Island, not only confirms her consistency and innovation, but also opens up new directions in her work. This series of works is not just a visual story about summer and the sea – it is a deeply personal reflection on memory, emotions and the transience of the moments that shape us.
We look forward to your arrival!
📍 February 22, 2025 at 7pm - Lauba
🎟 Free admission for all art lovers!