ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Jovan Srijemac Reflects on 45 Years of Painting and a Planned 10-Part Series

artist · 2026-10-15

In a recent interview, artist Jovan Srijemac shared insights about his creative path and an upcoming collection entitled 'Confession of a Painter’s Soul.' This series will showcase 10 large-format pieces created from 1980 to the present, capturing emotions from various stages of his career. Having dedicated 45 years to painting, Srijemac operates daily in a 100-square-meter studio, often inspired by music. After relocating to the Netherlands in 1993 and leaving behind destroyed works, he experienced a challenging period before embracing color in the early 2000s. His ongoing experimentation is evident in pieces like 'Life at a Crossroads,' which illustrates the turmoil of decision-making. Srijemac perceives art as a quest for identity and equilibrium, aiming to motivate future artists.

Key facts

  • Jovan Srijemac has been painting for 45 years and paints daily in a 100-square-meter studio.
  • He is planning a series of 10 large-format works titled 'Confession of a Painter’s Soul,' spanning 1980 to the present.
  • Srijemac moved to the Netherlands in 1993 with his wife and eight-year-old daughter, leaving behind all his art, which was destroyed in war.
  • He could not paint for several years after the move, and his early works in the Netherlands were dark and somber.
  • From the early 2000s, he began using color more extensively, applying it directly from the tube.
  • Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' was a pivotal influence, which he first saw at age 20 and remains his favorite painting.
  • He experiments with materials and styles, and once an abstract painting turned into a PopArt piece featuring Mickey Mouse.
  • His work 'Life at a Crossroads' represents his current practice, exploring themes of chaos and decision-making.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Singulart

Locations

  • Netherlands

Sources