Page 115 - ART NOW Internationally Recognized Artists

Josip Rubes, a remarkable artist, has presented himself as a
landscape painter in his previous exhibitions, with motifs inspired
by the picturesque beauty of Zagorje. His depictions of the beauty of
landscapes are not just mere representations of the physical world.
Instead, they are imbued with a sense of emotion and personal
connection. Rubes indulges in the breadth of space, finding interesting
corners, and shaping characteristic hills and valleys with his measure
of stylization.
In his emotional adoption of the landscape, he finds a balance between
respecting the realistic and reducing the form. This delicate balance
allows him to capture the essence of the landscape while also infusing
it with his unique artistic vision. Rubes has achieved the credibility
of the appearance of landscape peculiarities, most often using the
technique of pastels. His use of pastels allows him to create soft yet
vibrant images that capture the subtle nuances of the landscape.
Creating in the wake of classical aesthetics, Rubes leaned towards A radical stylistic leap occurred with Rubes’ recent exhibition
poetic realism. This approach allows him to create works that are performance. The motif disappeared and Rubes entered the space of
grounded in reality yet elevated through the use of poetic and abstract painting. This marked a significant shift in his artistic approach,
artistic elements. In variations on this theme, with the richness of moving away from the representational and towards the abstract. In the
compositional solutions, Rubes has shown exceptional imagination. diversity of the two expressions, there are still touch points, primarily
His works are not just mere depictions of the landscape but are also in the rhythmic balance of fragments and a sense of order.
explorations of form, color, and composition. However, in the new cycle, the gesture is freer and the color is
brought to a coloristic scream. The dynamic surface of an extremely
rich structure is shaped by the action of the hand over the canvas, an
approach characteristic of action painting. This approach allows him
to create works that are dynamic and full of energy.
Rubes’ unexpected dialogue with intense color has proven to be not
only a successful excursion but also a sign of visual authenticity, a sign
of maturity, and the search for his own painting vocation. His use of
intense color brings a new level of vibrancy and emotion to his works,
marking a new phase in his artistic journey.
As noted by Prof. Stanko Špoljarić, Rubes’ work is a testament to his
ongoing exploration and evolution as an artist. His ability to transition
from landscape painting to abstract art, while maintaining a consistent
artistic voice, is a testament to his versatility and talent. Whether
through the serene beauty of his landscapes or the dynamic energy
of his abstract works, Rubes continues to captivate audiences with
his unique artistic vision.
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