Interview: Majda Zorko
Luca Curci talks with Majda Zorko during CONTEMPORARY VENICE 2021 at THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space.

Majda Zorko is a Slovenian abstract artist who spent two decades living and working in Asia where she gained a BFA in Classical Chinese painting from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, in Beijing, China. During this time, Majda was heavily influenced by Chinese painting and Japanese design. She has been painting professionally for over 30 years and has exhibited internationally in the US, Singapore, Japan, China, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia. Majda describes her approach to painting as based on experimentation and exploration of media and describes how “Anyone who engages in creating a work of art brings to it his/her own set of personal experiences, memories, perceptions and points of view”. Initially heavily influenced by the great Masters of painting – da Vinci, Picasso, Kandinsky, Odilon Rédon and Shitao – Majda replicated their work in her “Interpretations” series. However, in 1999 she departed from imitation in her solo show (in Singapore) ‘Farewell to Masters’. Since then, Majda’s personal style has changed a lot as she sought to discover more creative and imaginative ways to express her personal voice. She describes how the abstract forms which she creates now have become her voice… and empowers her with endless freedom to create.

Luca Curci – Which subject are you working on?
Majda Zorko – I am currently working on a new series of abstract paintings inspired by my visit to Morocco. The concept is about the intensity of Ultramarine blue which means ‘from beyond the sea’.

LC – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
MZ – It took me almost 30 years to reach my abstract style of painting.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it like your medium of expression?
MZ – I use art to express my innermost feelings. Elements and principles of art guide me towards expression. Paintings talk to me. Through art I find the balance between my emotions as well as my responses to life in general.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
MZ – “A painting is never finished – it simply stops in interesting places” (Paul Gardner). However, each painting (even an abstract one) conveys a story (known only by the artist). There are times that you feel your story is visually well explained: then your painting is completed.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
MZ – My painting style has changed from traditional landscape painting to geometric abstraction and to non-objective art. I studied art in Beijing, China, and majored in classical Chinese painting. I remember my Chinese teacher said (when I was still a student) that my love for color and bold brushstrokes will lead me towards abstraction. I think throughout your life you learn and absorb various influences until you find your very own means of expression. This is how you grow in your art.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?
MZ – I absolutely agree with your artistic vision: bringing together artists – not just from various cultures – but giving them (us) the opportunity to share our vision of the world, through art.

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the festival’s theme?
MZ – I think a variety of media (photography, printing, painting, sculpture) shown this year in Venice give the international community a truly contemporary feeling.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
MZ – Absolutely! Although I am participating at Contemporary Venice 2021 Art Fair for the first time, I would be honored to collaborate with you in the future. I especially appreciate the way you communicate with me and how you displayed my three paintings. It is very visually appealing.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artist?
MZ – Looking at a variety of activities (such as Artist of the Month online contest), I think every artist can find his/her own opportunity to showcase his/her artwork.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
MZ – Cooperation with ITSLIQUID GROUP has been efficient and professional. I can only thank you.