The Art Encounters Foundation is bringing for the first time on the national cultural scene of art the works of the great Croatian painter Julije Knifer (1924 – 2004, b. Croatia).For 5 weeks, the Julije Knifer – Meanders without bounds exhibition can be visited at the Art Encounters Foundation exhibition space in Timișoara, curated by Ami Barak.
The exhibition presents the most comprehensive collection of Julije Knifer’s artwork, bringing in Timișoara paintings and drawings created throughout his life.
The opening of the exhibition will take place on Thursday, September 5th 2024, at 18:00, and can be visited until October 12th, 2024, Tuesday to Saturday, between 12:00 – 18:00, offering an guided tour every Saturday at 17:00.Born at Osijek, Croatia, Julije Knifer is recognized at international level for his abstract works, characterised by repetitive meandering forms, that have significantly influenced contemporary art. He was one of the founding members of the Gorgona group, an avant-garde collective from Zagreb, active in 1960, which promotes a nonconformist and experimental form of art. His work, focused on the use of simple lines and geometric forms, explores concepts as time, space and repetition, becoming emblematic for the minimalist movements.His artistic career influenced contemporary art, being recognized as one of the most important abstract artists from the 20th century. Knifer studied at the Academy of Fine Arts from Zagreb, where he began to develop his unique style based on the use of geometric shapes and black and white. His work reflects a constant concern for visual structure and repetition, bringing a high-impact minimalist aesthetic to the forefront.
These repetitive and minimalist meandres express a deep concern for time representation issue and demonstrate a form of anti-painting through the extreme reduction of forms and content. His meandres reflects a continuous exploration of the art free concept from the traditional constraints, offering viewers a unique introspection and reflection experience.
Julije Knifer represented Croatia in the 2001 Venice Biennale, and in 2014 the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb mounted a full retrospective of his work. He has exhibited at Centre Pompidou, Paris, MAMCO in Geneva and Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, and his works are in numerous private and public collections around the world, including the MOMA in New York, the Tate London, The Centre Pompidou in Paris and the National Gallery in Berlin.
Art Encounters Foundation is dedicated to promotion of contemporary art and encourages cultural dialogue through high-quality exhibitions and events. By bringing Julije Knifer artworks in Romania, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to providing to the public access to important artworks and supporting the development of the local art scene.
This event represents an extraordinary opportunity for art lovers, critics, students and a wide audience to connect with the artworks of an exceptional artist whose impact on abstract art continues to be felt today.
The exhibition benefits from the invaluable help of Ana Knifer, to whom we are extremely grateful.
Julije Knifer – Meandres without bounds exhibition is organised by Art Encounters Foundation and co-financed by AFCN. An event possible thanks to strategic partner with Banca Transilvania followed by the support of ISHO.