Purchase a giclee of The Help

Artwork Description

Having studied philosophy and literature at Zagreb University, Vlado Martek played an important role in the creation of the artists’ collective “Group of six artists” (Grupa šestorice autora) in Zagreb, with Mladen and Sven Stilinović, Fedor Vučemilović, Boris Demur and Željko Jerman. The collective, which was active until 1979, created many performances and actions, and published the experimental art journal MAJ/75. Inspired by poetry, Martek uses a wide variety of media, such as actions, graffiti, sculpture, and painting; he explores the possibilities around creating poetic structures and visual manifestations of a poem. The artist believes that the poem is not only a verbal or syntactic structure, but also a composition, and contends that each poem carries clues about the spatial, spiritual and intellectual conditions that immediately preceded its formation, and that their traces, when discovered, may reveal the essence of the poem. In this respect, he is interested in the tools used to write a poem, such as the paper, pencil and ruler, in their spatial relations, and the fortuitous lines with which the poet marks the paper. He questions what bearing these tools and objects may have had on the realisation of the poem, and explores these issues through the compositions he makes on paper, using these objects. Also inspired by concrete poetry, the artist discusses the graphic potentiality of language and narrative through his compositions.

Artist Biography

Vlado Martek: Sculpting Silence into Vibrant Collage

Vlado Martek (born 1951) stands as a singular figure in Croatian visual art, recognized for his distinctive approach to translating the essence of poetry into arresting mixed media compositions. Rather than simply depicting verses on canvas, Martek delves deeper—he actively interrogates and reimagines them through layers of texture, image, and deliberate disruption. His artistic philosophy centers around transforming words into tangible experiences, a concept beautifully encapsulated in his mantra: “Art as Burden.” ### Early Life & Artistic Formation Born in Zagreb, Croatia, Martek’s formative years were steeped in intellectual curiosity fostered by his studies at Zagreb University where he pursued degrees in Philosophy and Literature. This academic grounding profoundly shaped his artistic sensibilities—a sensitivity that wouldn't merely accept words but actively sought to liberate them from their conventional confines. It was during these early explorations that Martek began experimenting with combining visual elements – photography, sketches, drawings – alongside poetic fragments, establishing the foundational principle of his artistic practice: visualizing poetry. ### The Poetic Collage Technique Martek’s signature technique is arguably his masterful manipulation of collage—a process he elevates beyond mere assemblage to become a form of sculptural storytelling. He meticulously selects images and textual excerpts from poems, often prioritizing fragments that resonate with emotional intensity or paradoxical juxtaposition. These elements aren't simply glued together; they are interwoven, layered, and manipulated through various processes – printing, etching, painting – creating textured surfaces that invite contemplation. The resulting artworks possess a palpable dynamism, mirroring the rhythm and cadence of the original poetry. As Željko Jerman, Martek’s collaborator on early wallpaper-action projects, noted, “The first work I installed in public was a wallpaper-action with the photographer Željko Jerman.” ### Influences & Artistic Evolution Martek's artistic vision draws inspiration from Surrealist explorations of subconscious imagery and Dadaist critiques of societal conventions. Artists like René Magritte and Marcel Duchamp served as crucial touchstones, encouraging Martek to challenge established aesthetic norms and embrace unconventional materials and methods. Over time, his work has evolved beyond purely conceptual collage, incorporating elements of street art—graffiti—and expanding into larger-scale installations that engage with public spaces. This progression reflects a continuing commitment to pushing boundaries and provoking dialogue about the relationship between language and visual representation. ### Notable Achievements & Legacy Martek’s artistic output includes several compelling artworks showcased in galleries across Croatia and internationally, notably “The Border 2” and “The Help.” These pieces exemplify his ability to distill complex poetic ideas into visually arresting narratives that resonate with viewers on an emotional level. His work has garnered critical acclaim for its originality and conceptual depth—a testament to Martek’s unwavering dedication to exploring the transformative potential of art as a conduit for conveying profound human experience. He continues to reside in Zagreb, where he serves as a librarian, demonstrating a harmonious blend of intellectual pursuits and artistic expression.

vlado martek

1951 - , Croatia

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Visual Poetry
Date Of Birth: 1951
Full Name: Vlado Martek
Nationality: Croatian
Notable Artworks:
- The Border 2
- The Help
Place Of Birth: Zagreb, Croatia

vlado martek: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Popular

The Help

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

Framed

Reproduction Size

Artwork Customization

Artist Skill Level

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Protective Varnish

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

-

Summary

Reproduction Medium

-

Elite Senior Artist

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Customize My Artwork

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price