BIOGRAPHY

Bojan Grof is a self-taught artist currently based in Zaječar, Serbia. He was born in Niš, Serbia in 1973 where he grew up with an interest in art and the world around him. When he was eighteen years old, he witnessed the division of his country by civil war, which would later affect his art. At the age of twenty, he went to Germany and gained his first international experience, doing mostly commissioned work. He believes that art, in any form, is closely related to every aspect of today’s social lifestyle. Grof critically examines, through his art, the cultural conditions of today's society. Part of his artistic creation refers to the social perception of the rejected and forgotten, the right to freedom, poverty, war and to everything that corrodes a society. He is an advocate for raising awareness of all human impact on animals and wildlife and often finds inspiration in everyday objects that surround us. Although he likes to express himself through painting, for a long time now, his main focus has been on drawing. Using charcoal and graphite, through the strong contrast of black and white, he tries to emphasize that we live in dramatic times and that we need empathy now more than ever! His original drawings and paintings are included in private collections in Italy, Germany, Austria, France, Serbia, Israel, Montenegro and The United States.

ARTIST INSIGHTS

How are your background and life experiences connected to your art?

In my early twenties, I witnessed the division of my country through civil war. The consequences, which are still felt today, force me to engage through my art. But they also inspire me to find beauty in the ordinary.

Who are some of your biggest artistic influences?

There is no one who has had a great influence on my artistic career, but I like to occasionally return to the old master, Caravaggio. The endless battle between light and darkness...

How have you developed your artist career?

Work every day. Trying to improve myself as an artist but also as a person.

What does your artistic work intend to communicate to its audience?

As I said in the statement, my artwork goes well beyond creating an illusion for the eyes, it evokes emotions and ask questions.

Does your work comment on any current social or political issues?

Yes, my series of drawings “Look at your home, angel” refers to the social perception of the rejected and forgotten, the right to freedom, to poverty, to war and to everything that corrodes our society. Another series of drawings and paintings “Protecting Wildlife” relates to raising awareness of the impact of society on animals and wildlife.

What is one thing you would like your audience to know about you?

I am also a passionate collector. I collect, buy and sell vintage and antique things like old radios, analog phones, old toys, lanterns...

Which current art world trends are you following?

I have never followed trends in art, I just follow my inner voice.

Why have you chosen to sell your work in the 1515 Lincoln Gallery gallery?

The high level of professionalism, the variety of artists and the personal but professional relationship with the owner of the gallery.

What do you believe makes 1515 Lincoln Gallery distinct from other galleries?

I believe that the variety of art and antiques makes the gallery warm and desirable for both us artists and collectors. Also, the gallery treats its artists as a community, at the same time investing a lot of effort in the promotion of artists.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My artwork goes well beyond creating an illusion for the eyes, it evokes emotions and asks questions. I think that art, in any form, is closely related to every aspect of today’s social lifestyle. I believe that art should speak to us, teach us and enlighten us.

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