Interview: Zdene Flerin
Luca Curci talks with Zdene Flerin, WINNER of the ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2024

Zdene Flerin is a contemporary artist from Slovenia known for his inventive and distinctive oil painting technique. After years of exploring various styles and mediums, he discovered a unique approach to oil painting that sets his work apart. Unlike acrylic paints, which can appear more passive, Zdene embraces the vividness and precision that oil paints offer. This medium allows for greater control and the ability to refine his paintings to a higher degree of perfection, while also enabling him to make subtle adjustments throughout the creative process. Zdene’s technique demands extraordinary focus and precision, as he works meticulously on high-quality, heavyweight raw canvas. He harnesses the inherent properties of both the colors and the canvas itself to create striking stripes, adding depth and texture to his compositions.

His art is an ongoing exploration of balance and harmony, expressed through rich, contrasting colors and bold, dynamic lines. Through his work, Zdene captures complex human emotions, aiming to provoke thought and inspire a sense of unity and equilibrium in the viewer. To Zdene, art is not just a practice, it’s a way of life. His deep passion for creativity drives him to constantly evolve as an artist, striving to make meaningful contributions to the global art scene. His ultimate goal is to become an integral part of the world’s artistic conversation, leaving a lasting impact through his distinctive style. Drawing inspiration from renowned artists such as Gerhard Richter, Zdene has spent over 12 years perfecting his oil-painting technique. Although his passion for art began in childhood, it is through years of dedication and experimentation that he has developed his distinct voice in the contemporary art world.

Luca Curci – How much has the city/country in which you grew up/born affected your work as an artist?
Zdene Flerin – My artwork was mainly influenced by the research of modern abstract art through the study of literature, visiting museums and especially through research through various websites.

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
ZF – When I enter the studio, I simply step out of the real world into my world of colors. Doing so, I throw away the reality and dive into the world of vivid colors. I chose oil paints as my technique.

LC – What do you think about art on social media? Are they turning into the new showcases of contemporary art?
ZF – In the era of computerization, social networks play an important role for artists in terms of presenting their works to the wider world. On the other hand, it gives me personally an insight into the works of other authors, which I would otherwise never have seen. In any case, in this sense, social networks could be called virtual galleries, where each individual can present his art in his own way, which is simultaneously available for viewing by all other viewers.

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
ZF – In the future, I intend to enrich my innovative style of applying colors to the canvas mainly with new ideas and new content.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
ZF – I usually find inspiration from famous artists (Richter, Kandinsky, Miro) when I observe and analyze their works, but on the other hand, I am inspired by just looking at vivid and contrasting colors.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
ZF – ITSLiquid group is one of the very well-organized groups for the promotion of artists and their works through the very high-quality and sophisticated website ITsliquid.com.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
ZF – I appreciate the efficient and pleasant cooperation of the ITSLIQUID staff. However, I must also mention the quick response, which is nowadays very welcomed.