Josip Rubes
Throughout your artistic career, you've transitioned from detailed landscapes to abstract expressionism. Can you describe a pivotal moment or piece that catalyzed this shift in your artistic approach?
I have been painting landscapes since I was young boy and gradually I developed my distinctive expression of landscape painting and, according to the famous Croatian art historian S. Špoljarić, I gave to Croatian painting a new vision of The Zagorje landscapes. I have organized dozens of independent exhibitions all over Croatia. In 2006, I read an article about Jackson Pollock in a Croatian magazine, which described in detail the method of painting called action painting. I was fascinated by that style, so I started painting in the way he did.
As a physician, how has your medical background influenced your artistic vision and execution, especially in your approach to abstract expressionism and the use of vibrant colors?
The medical profession is humane and very demanding. After 40 years of working in medicine as a diabetes specialist, I retired. In all those years along with practicing medicine, I didn't stop painting. I can't say that there is any connection between my profession as a doctor and painting, but after hard work with patients, I found satisfaction in the studio where I was in contact with colors and brushes and while I was listening the music I got inspiration for new paintings.
How did your formal education in art later in life refine your self-taught skills and perspectives? Can you pinpoint any specific teachings at ARTHOUSE College that fundamentally altered your artistic style or philosophy?
Already in my childhood, I wanted to study for art, but my life path took me to medicine. However, after retiring in 2007, I enrolled in painting studies in Ljubljana (Arthuus College of Visual arts) and graduated in 2012. The subject of my graduation thesis was "Jackson Pollock and his influence on the Croatian painter Edo Murtić." That's how my lifelong dream of becoming a graduated painter came true. Considering the subject of my graduation thesis, in which I studied Polok's painting in details, I continued to paint in Polok's style even more with great enthusiasm.
In your thesis, you explored the influence of Jacksonn Pollock on Croatian painter Edo Murtić. What specific elements of Pollock's style do you see reflected in Murtić's work, and how have both artists influenced your own creations?
The painter E. Murtić lived in New York in the 1950s, and he visited the exhibition of J. Pollock that was held there in one of the galleries. He looked at the paintings and then met Pollock and became interested in his way of painting. Returning back to Zagreb, Murtić used some elements of action painting in his works and became the most famous abstract painter in Croatia. In the beginning of my abstract painting, I was more attracted to the style of Jackson Pollock than to the one of Edo Murtić. I gradually developed my own style.
Considering the tradicional and pastoral beauty of Zagorje, how has the local comumunity received your abstract works? Do you find that there's a growing appreciation for modern art forms in rural settings?
Zagorje is located in the northwestern part of Croatia, 40 km from Zagreb, the capital. Zagorje abounds in natural beauty and is very inspiring for artists. It is a hilly area with groves, meadows, streams, vineyards with houses and castles. There is a predominantly rural population that loves their homeland and in painting they value landscape painting more, but in recent years the young generations are increasingly accepting abstract painting. That's why I paint landscapes and abstractions.
Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you decide on the theme, materials, and techniques for a new piece, and how much does your mood or the natural environment influence your work?
For my painting, whether abstract or landscape, I find inspiration in nature, in the spring, when I see everything flourishing, the meadows blooming with meadow flowers in various colors, poppies turning red along the paths, the forests in that soft green colour, that is what insipers me. Then is when I come to the studio full of impressions that the beauty of nature brings me and I get an idea for a new painting. In creating abstract paintings, I mostly use oil paints on canvas. I love pastel colors for painting landscapes.
With over 1.000 paintings to your name, how do you hope your work contributes to or influences the Croatian and international art scenes?
In my earlier years, I mostly painted landscapes of the region where I live (Zagorje), and according to the famous Croatian curator Špoljarić, I gave my landscapes a new vision of the Zagorje in Croatian painting. For already 20 years, my interest has been abstract painting in the style of abstract expressionism and geometric abstraction. I have exhibited abstract works several times at solo exhibitions in Croatia and received very favorable reviews from art historians (Iva Korbler, Enes Quein). I also had ONLINE exhibitions abroad for which I received a number of recognitions and awards.
How do you handle critiques of your work, especially when it comes to such personal and expressive pieces? Can you share an instance where criticism led you to reconsider or modify your artistic approach?
Every criticism should be understood in a good faith, which can direct us to improve works of art. I received many times suggestions from art historians about trends in painting and recommendations how to continuate my painting.
In recent years, you've absorbed geometric abstraction. What drew you to this style, and how do you blend it with the action painting techniques that characterize your abstract period?
In the beginning, I painted in the style of abstract expressionism following the example of J. Pollock, but I gradually changed the way of painting (action painting, dripping) until I developed my own style. 6 years ago I discovered geometric abstraction in one of my last works. Of course, I also found information about that style on the Internet when I saw many works by already known painters. I accepted that style with a lot of enthusiasm and passion.
After a prolific career in both medicine and art, what new goals or projects are you looking forward to exploring in your artwork? Are there any particular themes or techniques you are eager to delve into next?
Considering my age (83 years), although , I am in excellent shape, I cannot have big plans. My goal is to paint as many pictures as possible with the desire that my pictures will appeal to viewers as they do to art historians. I had many offers for solo exhibitions in several cities in Europe and New York, but due to the unacceptably high financial costs, I had to give up and say thank you.
Krapinske Toplice, June 5, 2024