Page 14 - Maxim_Painting_Monograph

resisted the prevailing, superficial aesthetic norms. The gaze is at the heart of this painting: it forms a silent dialogue and connection between the viewer and the canvas. I believe today’s crisis in painting
stems from a lack of deep, meaningful gaze.
In my quest to advocate for a world that is more enchanting and freer than our current reality, I often wonder if I am effectively tackling profound themes. I am not entirely sure. I do believe that these themes include the jubilation of being, the inevitability of mortality, and the pivotal role of art in shaping hu- man destiny. Approaching these themes with the in- nocence of a child and a pure, unblemished gaze, transforms the painting into a potent, and some-
times rebellious, force.
In the midst of chaos, art dares to ignite,
A spark of hope, a beacon in the night .
By acknowledging pain and shadows within, We embark on a journey, healing to begin .
An artistic view distinctly rejects the notion that a concept coincides with the object it perceives. Sim- ilarly, an eschatological perspective on truth unveils an experience of personal presence from the outset, where the world is encountered through experience rather than mere thought. Stefan Zweig in his The Secret of Artistic Creation explains the conception of a work of art as an inner process, a divine phenome- non, a mystery. Here Zweig’s credo hints at the im- age of Genesis, where the miracle of a creatio ex nihi- lo is narrated. Only sporadically are human beings able to share in this miracle, and that is what tran- spires in art.
To be a painter is to be a poet who embarks on a timeless journey, exploring the vastness of life’s mysteries, and transmuting them into verses that endure beyond the limits of time. In the hearts of those who read their words, poets leave a lasting im- print, awakening the stars that reside within each of us, guiding us to seek deeper meaning, and embrac- ing the wonders of being alive.
The notion of “aesthetic space,” as proposed by Karl Mannheim, introduces a nuanced understand- ing of art’s place in the world. Art exists in a domain that is neither bound by the physical object nor lim- ited to the viewer’s subjective experience. This aes- thetic space possesses its own ontological content, offering a unique perspective deeply rooted in the artist’s personal vision and experience. In this light, art becomes a personal narrative, a window into the artist’s person, and a commentary on the human condition.
In my expressions of gratitude, I must acknowl- edge Fr. Stamatis Skliris for his outstanding contri- bution of a foreword to this volume. His insightful remarks on the paintings add a profound layer to the narrative, enriching this monograph’s artistic depth. This is further enhanced by the nuanced notes and commentaries from Fr. Stephen Muse and Bishop Irinej Dobrijević, each adding their own poetic brushstrokes to this artistic endeavor.
I am grateful to Denis Vikić, someone who has been a valuable companion in my artistic journey. Our lengthy and joyful exploration through various artistic trends has been immensely rewarding. The verses that follow are a tribute to our enduring bond and the rich experiences we’ve shared.
14