Interview: Darko Lesjak
Luca Curci talks with Darko Lesjak during the 15th Edition of VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2022, at Palazzo Bembo.

Born in 1966 in Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia. From 1981 to 1985 Lesjak attended the School of Design and Photography in Ljubljana. In Maribor he studied art education at the Faculty of Education from 1987 to 1992, graduating with a diploma. Subsequently, he moved to Germany. From 1992 to 1999 followed the study of painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in München, 1997 master student, 1999 to 2002 he was artistic assistant for painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in München. Darko Lesjak lives and works in München as a freelance artist.

“The basis of my art is the harmony between artistic tradition and experimental freedom. The cosmos of my work reflects the themes of nature, ecology, environmental protection, the origins of being and the ability to understand and use it in all its manifestations. The steady flow is the starting point of my work based on the philosophy of Panta rhei. The constant change and the power of nature are reflected in the expressive color scheme of my pictures full of dynamic energy and spontaneous gestures, which are applied to a mostly calmly flowing backgrounds. In order to achieve the special transparency and color in my artworks, I prefer to work in the techniques of oil painting, reverse glass painting and float glass painting“.

Luca Curci – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
Darko Lesjak – Since my childhood, I was very interested in art and culture and was already artistically active. My great wish was therefore to work in this profession one day.

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
DL – Nature has always been my source of inspiration. When I paint, I very often think of the time I spent in nature in my childhood. I especially enjoyed watching the small river that flowed past Grandma’s house. This has also become the inspiration for my artistic works. Painting is a meditative process for me. I prepare myself slowly and relaxed for my work. It takes me until I have blocked out all disturbing thoughts and can concentrate fully. Then only the picture is the focus for me. I often listen to relaxing music that provides me with additional inspiration.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich yourself and your art?
DL – Yes, the suggestions of the visitors enrich me very much. During the painting process, I enjoy the peace and quiet, but then I am even more pleased to be able to talk to visitors about my art. Above all, I am happy about the people who delve into my works and debate with me about art. I am especially happy when my art collectors come to me again and again, who have accompanied me in my work for years and are particularly critical of my art.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
DL – Yes, my style has changed. It has become more concentrated, my forms have become purer, and my paintings are not as detailed as they used to be, I try to express the essential. I always like to experiment and try new techniques that build on the old ones.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
DL – The cosmos of my works reflects themes of nature, ecology and environmental protection. The element of water is a recurring theme in my works, which is especially evident in my works “Aquarium”.

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the exhibition’s theme?
DL – My work is based on the “pantha rhei” philosophy, accordingly, my paintings are painted very fluid and dynamic. This connects us to a common theme.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
DL – In the exhibition, I show the painting “Spring call 6”, oil on canvas. The picture is very expressive, powerful, and picturesque. It is a part of a large series with floral motifs. In these works I bring positive energy; they radiate vitality and joy.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
DL – ITSLIQUID GROUP is a platform where all artists have equal opportunities to present their art.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
DL – Yes, I believe that ITSLIQUID GROUP is an opportunity for artists, especially for young and not yet established-artists. I think it is very good that the ITSLIQUID GROUP exists because it is a very good alternative to the classical gallery business.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
DL – I was satisfied with the communication, it worked well. The offer of cities for exhibitions is now very large, which is positive. Since the artists invest a lot, the mediation of artworks to buyers at ITSLIQUID should be expanded even more.