About

GET TO KNOW ME BETTER?

I was born in 1990 in Skopje, where I’ve spent my entire life. Skopje holds a special place in my heart; with its fluctuations, its blend of nature and cityscape, and the stark contrast between spring and winter. It’s unlike any other city I’ve known or lived in. While it may seem small, it’s large enough for people to become isolated yet still find themselves enjoying rakija in kafanas. I simply adore Skopje.

My educational journey took some unexpected turns. From childhood through my teenage years, my aspirations shifted from wanting to be a doctor, to an engineer, to ultimately settling on becoming a designer. However, I ended up graduating high school as an economist. Lesson learned: never let others dictate your career choices.

I obtained my bachelor’s degree as a graphic artist and designer from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Skopje. Initially, I believed the graphic program would solely focus on graphic design, but I was pleasantly surprised when I got my hands on linocut tools after many years and began printing my very first graphic works. It was in that moment, I fell in love with graphic art and dedicated myself to mastering it.

Upon completing my studies, my real journey began. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone in my aspirations. Alongside a few friends from my faculty, we opened painting workshops in the city center. This eventually led to the formation of an art collective that took its work seriously, culminating in the establishment of our cultural center, “Kula.” Over three years of active operation, the Kula collective organized over 300 events, including concerts and other activities. This experience motivated us to continue our collective efforts even after the center closed.

Empowered by my experience organizing events, I took a bold step to seek opportunities elsewhere. Through volunteering, I landed a job in Slovenia, a country known for having Europe’s largest cave in Postojna. It was a life-changing experience. The landscape and way of life were vastly different from what I was accustomed to in my homeland. During my eight-month stay, I immersed myself in Slovenian culture, explored the country, savored local cuisine, made lasting friendships, conducted drawing workshops, organized a festival, and even held my first solo art exhibition in a foreign country.

As my time in Slovenia came to an end, I returned to Skopje with a renewed sense of energy. Alongside a few friends, I opened a studio where I continue my creative work, experimenting with various graphic techniques, and focusing more on drawing than design.

Remember, never let others dictate your career choices.

WHAT AM I DRAWING?

In my early teens, I was drawn to Punk music and frequented metal/rock/punk concerts. The energy and camaraderie among attendees were palpable. It wasn’t just about revelry; it was about collective action and promoting ideologies. DIY became ingrained in my life.

My earliest forays into design involved creating t-shirt designs for bands and crafting DIY album covers. This sparked my passion for drawing, particularly in addressing social justice, anti-governmental sentiments, environmental awareness, and political themes. While my early drawings may have lacked finesse, the ideas behind them were paramount. Over time, practice refined my visual thinking skills, allowing me to express myself more effectively.

My inspiration stems from observing the daily activities of people in my neighborhood and city. Their routines, interactions, quirks, and nuances fuel my creativity. From ecological disasters to mundane moments like enjoying coffee, from religious narratives to contemporary issues like zombies, from human atrocities to the traditions of African tribes—my artwork spans a wide spectrum.

I strive to present alternative perspectives on marginalized subjects, reinterpret ancient stories through a modern lens, and satirize conventional notions of beauty. My artwork is an introspective explosion of vibrant colors, depicted with a naive yet evocative style. Each piece typically starts as a serious drawing and evolves into a larger composition, often combining various themes. For me, painting is a form of meditation—a fluid process where thoughts flow seamlessly into brushstrokes. My preferred medium, acrylic painting, allows for versatility, although I often incorporate multiple techniques in a single piece.

Graphic (printing) art serves as a bridge between my artistic and crafting skills. Whether it’s crafting handmade cards, designing book covers, or textile printing, meticulous planning and collaboration are essential. Printing, especially in a team setting, yields superior results compared to solo endeavors.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m delighted that you’ve taken an interest in my journey, and I hope you find some resonance in my work (but if you like all of it, that might be a tad creepy).

If you’d like to get in touch, please visit the contact section for all the necessary information. Alternatively, you can find me on social media using the links below.