The opening of the exhibition “Beyond the Imprint” by academic painter and conservator-restorer Zoran Durbić, an artist distinguished by his exceptional mastery of the graphic medium and rare dedication to traditional techniques, took place on Wednesday, 10 December, at 7:00 PM at the University Gallery (R. Boškovića 31), Split.
Durbić’s artistic practice was grounded in a fascination with process—the hidden, patient, and technically demanding work that preceded every final print. The exhibition featured around 50 prints created using relief printing techniques, primarily linocuts, along with several woodcuts.
His works balanced between the figurative and the abstract, bringing together these two extremes into a harmonious whole that reflected the artist’s inner rhythm. Silhouettes reminiscent of human figures, as well as plant and animal forms, flowed into bold colour compositions in which the motif never dominated, but instead intertwined equally with colour. In some works, the artist fully abandoned narrative, focusing instead on the exploration of intensity, the relationship between warm and cool tones, and pure fields of colour.
As curator Ana Čukušić pointed out, “there is no superficiality in Durbić’s work—every colour, every surface, and every print emerges from a thoughtful dialogue with the medium and personal experience.” For this reason, his art transcended mere visual impression, becoming a testament to dedication, quiet persistence, and a contemporary expression rooted in tradition.
Admission was free, and we were delighted to welcome numerous visitors.
