To blend abstraction with beauty
What astounds me most is revisiting my artworks after a while. They often reveal a clear vision of the moment, one that I was only able to preserve by using talents provided me by our Lord. This, to me, is a way of expressing my gratitude to God.
Nearly two decades ago, I encountered an extraordinary painter in the city of Split. While I can’t recall his name, his artwork left a lasting impression—vibrant and alive, filled with the beauty of nature. At that time, I was gearing up for entrance exams for the Academy of Fine Arts. We engaged in discussions about fine arts, and my youthful enthusiasm pushed me to soak up all the knowledge I could about the art world. He shared a piece of advice that has stuck with me ever since: “Marin, whatever you draw or paint, always search for the beauty in your work.” Today, I interpret “beautiful” in two ways: as something visually appealing and as something that transcends mere appearance, revealing a soulful essence.
As a graphic designer and visual artist exploring the edges of the impossible, I’ve made graphic symbols my profession—ranging from simple letters to intricate corporate logos and trademarks. This world of symbols is my reality. For instance, when designing a logo, there are twelve different approaches to represent a symbol and imbue it with meaning. While we often choose the simplest and most direct representations, my preferred method is abstraction. Contrary to the idea that abstract art can take any form, I see it as the most challenging way to create a symbol. Abstract art must extract essence from within, rather than relying solely on the concrete, realistic portrayal of the subject. Interestingly, our letters are abstract symbols too, yet we seldom explore their deeper meanings, even though they remain among the most recognizable symbols we use today.
In terms of Catholic abstract art, defining and controlling it poses challenges, which, I believe, largely explains its rarity. Clear spiritual direction can often be elusive in this genre. Additionally, Catholic art has historically leaned toward well-defined Baroque representations. As modern philosophy gradually shifted its focus away from God, art followed, leading to a noticeable decline in contemporary sacred representations over the last two centuries. However, after the Second Vatican Council, I see a remarkable opportunity for a new artistic direction that captivates me.
My aim through art is to blend abstraction with beauty. Can we manage this if we’re unable to judge it based on the obvious, material aspects of the subject? And what is the ultimate good we should aspire to? This is where things get intriguing. Imagine having to make judgments based on a deeper understanding that recognizes inner beauty and allows for complete openness without fear, guided by ultimate moral values. This implies being led by the Holy Spirit, with the ultimate good being God. The biggest challenge is in preparation. If I let myself be swayed by sin, it can only lead to unsatisfactory outcomes. My art cannot arise from inner frustration or discontent, nor can it be directed solely by human reasoning or scientific concepts that lack a deeper understanding of reality. To be present means to align with the Holy Spirit; only then can I create effectively. My goal is to produce art that resonates through faith, serving as a clear expression of personal hope nurtured through contemplation and prayer. I often listen to music, which I also share on my website. However, what astounds me most is revisiting my artworks after a while. They often reveal a clear vision of the moment, one that I was only able to preserve by using talents provided me by our Lord. This, to me, is a way of expressing my gratitude to God.