Australian-based artist, Joseph Zbukvic, by way of Croatia, is quite versatile when it comes to subject matter—covering subjects like horses racing, chefs in a kitchen and plein air landscape scenes. Because of this variety, there isn't a particular “theme” to the artist’s new solo show Hidden Gems,but one element does remain constant—use of watercolor.
Sunset, Santa Maria Della Salute, watercolor on paper, 35 x 52 in.
“My individual technique and style were developed by being completely self-taught,” Zbukvic says. “I have never had a fine art lesson, and only took up working with watercolor by sheer accident during an industrial design course at university. I instantly fell in love with the most difficult of all mediums the moment I saw the plethora of magical effects it left on paper. It’s the only medium that continues working after it’s applied to the surface.”
Zbukvic also offers an explanation of his varying subject matter, stating, “I get bored very quickly and simply have to change to another subject after one or two repeats.” While he finds inspiration where he lives in Melbourne, Australia, his art has taken him over the world. “I feel just as comfortable setting up my easel in the French countryside, a harbor in Barcelona, the rice paddies in China, or Fifth Avenue in New York City,” he shares. “That is why I like to call art a ‘worldwide passport to anywhere, and an introduction to anyone.’ It speaks all languages.”
Last Chores, Dordogne, watercolor on paper, 14 x 21 in.
One of the highlights of Hidden Gems, set to debut at Principle Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina, is Sunset, Santa Maria Della Salute. At 35 by 52 inches, very large in scale for a watercolor, it is one of the centerpieces in the show. “It is a huge task to cover a piece of paper that size in fluid washes and then have mere minutes to manipulate the pigment before it all dries, from which there is no coming back.”
Evening Reflections, watercolor on paper, 12 x 17 in.
Zbukvic notes that this particular view of the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, has been painted for centuries by famous artists and amateurs alike. “This creates an extra element of difficulty…so it can stand alone in a crowd. It’s not surprising that I felt the presence of Whistler and Turner when I was painting it. I have tackled this scene a number of times before, but I always yearned to try it on a grander scale. The subject demands it. I felt this exhibition was the perfect opportunity.”
Taking us to the small town of Dordogne, France, is the serene painting Last Chores, Dordogne.It is a depiction of a barn, dating back to the 16th century, where Zbukvic has taught workshops. “The owner had converted the hayloft into an amazing art studio. However, from the neighboring field, it appeared to simply be a typical, local farm scene. I used it as a subject for many plein air [studies] with the students. This [work], however, is a recent studio piece I did in celebration of the many tranquil evenings there. It also evokes memories of my young days spent on my grandparent’s farm in Croatia.”
Passing Shadow, Yarra Valley, Australia, watercolor on paper, 22 x 29 in.
To see the entirety of the show, featuring around 40 pieces, visit Principle Gallery’s Charleston, South Carolina, location, from November 7 through end of the month. An opening reception will be held the opening day, from 5 to 8 p.m. —
Principle Gallery 125 Meeting Street • Charleston, SC 29401 • (843) 727-4500 • www.principlegallery.com
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