A Bird’s-Eye View of the Turbulent Reality

the Painting of Ivo Dulčić

Abstract

Commencing in the 1950s, Dulčić portrayed the city of Dubrovnik in its various facets – streets, the lively Stradun during summer, bustling squares, sports events, beaches, and religious processions. His unique perspective, often from elevated vantage points providing a bird’s-eye view, consistently incorporates human silhouettes. Dulčić’s canvases are stages of new, dynamic, and visually captivating events, swirling movements, and restless crowds. A painter of the commotion of swarming streets, overcrowded and scorching beaches, and vivacious playgrounds bursting with life amid the Mediterranean summer heat, the painter employed a rich palette and dynamic action. His use of thick layers of pure colours cleared up the palette and introduced strong colourism, dissolving objects into stains – which makes the identification of motifs difficult – and creating a vibrant atmosphere of unlimited space.