Tomislav Topic: Insights and Artistic Evolution
I met Tomislav Topic several years ago. I still remember the first time I saw one of his installations—it was so cool I knew I had to meet the person behind it. His work thoughtfully explores how we perceive colors and their profound impact on us.
This past week, I sat down with Tomislav and we caught up like old friends. This is what I love about my job: while the initial connection with an artist often stems from my intrigue about their work, it often evolves into friendship. It had been a while since our last conversation, which was when he was installing one of his large-scale works in Boston. I drove out there for the weekend just to catch up and see his new work.
To give you a bit of background, Tomislav’s work consists of large-scale installations, and also what he describes as “flat works” such as paintings and works on paper. If I had to sum up Tomislav’s work in two words, it would be color and contrast. The color treatment in all his work is superb, and the contrasts and gradients perhaps define his style best. His installations usually consist of similarly spaced layers of mesh that overlap, creating dynamic Moiré patterns as one moves around them.
His more traditional formats, like paintings and paper works, are just as compelling as his large-scale installations. He is incredibly thoughtful and experimental in his approach, always exploring the "what ifs" of his work. For example, the work below was created by dipping paper into a tub filled with different pigment solutions. These pigments are absorbed by the paper at different rates, creating a visual map of their densities. The photo below it is of a work created using a device Tomislav invented—a frame with strings stretched from top to bottom. These strings are soaked with paint and then imprinted on the paper by pulling them one by one.
During our conversation, I was happy to hear about the new developments in his career and artistic process. He has shifted how he creates his large-scale installations (they’re now produced and installed by a third party), allowing him more space to focus on the conceptual side of his art, a change he finds liberating and crucial for his growth. This newfound freedom allows him to explore and push boundaries in his work without the pressures of commercial success.
The location of his studio was another key topic of our discussion. In recent years, he has moved his studio to a farm on the outskirts of Berlin—a quiet setting that starkly contrasts with the urban landscapes where his installations are often displayed. Here, he feels he can truly innovate and create without constraints, exploring new ideas and mediums. This personal sanctuary is pivotal for his creative process, especially as his career progresses and his engagements become more demanding.
Part of his work has evolved to include sustainable practices—he has been experimenting with eco-friendly materials and methods. He described the variety of natural pigments available within his farm, which he refers to as the "color map" of his property. These efforts reflect his commitment to sustainability and his belief in the responsibility of artists to consider the environmental impact of their work.
Looking ahead, Tomislav is preparing for a solo show in Berlin, an event that brings a mix of nerves and excitement. This exhibition will not only showcase his latest works but will also symbolize the culmination of recent phases in his career, highlighting his growth and the new directions he has been exploring.