Lauba – House for People and Art presents the exhibition "Above the Island", a new series of works by young artist Mia Markušić, held as part of the Pass It On program. The exhibition will be open from February 22nd to 24th, with the grand opening taking place on February 22nd at 7:00 PM. This Lauba program is dedicated to presenting and promoting young artists.
There is something universal in memories of summer moments spent by the sea – the sound of waves breaking on the shore, the flicker of sun rays on the water's surface, 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 addresses in her new series of works Above the Island, where through painting and sculpture she explores how nature, memories, and introspection shape our perception of space and time.
Art as introspection: returning to memories through color and form
At the heart of this series lies the idea of the observer – a person who not only absorbs the scenes around them but also transforms them into a visual expression through their own inner world. Through her paintings and sculptures, Mia tries to capture this very process – the transition between the immediate experience and its re-experiencing through memory.
The island of Rab, where Mia resided, became an inexhaustible source of inspiration for this series. The sea, sand, sun, and wind here do not function merely as scenic elements but as active participants in the creative process. The sounds of the wild, the cries of seagulls, the rhythm of sea waves – all these are stimuli that found their equivalent in the brushstrokes and materiality of the sculptures.
Her works do not merely depict physical forms, but also sensations. Silhouettes of swimmers, shimmering light on the sea surface, dynamic moments of summer appear in the paintings. But what is most interesting is the way these elements are presented – with quick, expressive strokes, free applications of color that spread across the entire surface of the painting.
Voids and forms function almost like silence in music – they are not merely an absence of color or form, but serve as elements that enhance the atmosphere and give the works additional depth. In 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 transitions from two-dimensional to three-dimensional space. She does not limit her motifs to the painted 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 hands – it becomes highly liquid, soft, and pliable, perfect for her expressive working method. The sculptures are not strictly defined but give the impression of being in a constant process of transformation, similar to memories that change over time.
This approach opens a new question – how can different media convey the same motif? While some scenes are more suitable for painting, others come to life completely 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 just visual elements, but also tactile aspects that invite the viewer to connect even more deeply with the works.
About the artist: a young force in Croatian contemporary art
Mia Markušić (2000) was born in Zagreb, where she completed 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 Biennial of Painting 2023., Erste Fragments 2024., ALU Perspective 2023. and many other relevant contemporary art events. Her artistic practice is based on experimenting with different techniques and media, exploring the boundaries between painting, object, and space.
Her latest exhibition Above the Island not only confirms her consistency and innovation but also opens 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 moments that shape us.
We look forward to your visit!
📍 February 22, 2025 at 7 PM - Lauba
🎟 Free admission for all art lovers!