In the quiet town of Celje, Slovenia, a painter has been quietly weaving a rich tapestry of art for over four decades. Marjan Krošl, also known by his artistic moniker “koncept feniks,” has been exploring the boundaries of conceptual art, giving life to a unique perspective that transcends traditional artistic norms.
Born in 1963, Marjan Krošl embarked on his artistic journey in 1982, and since then, his creativity has known no bounds. His latest masterpiece, the “Tale of Quantum Garden,” stands as a testament to his dedication to the craft. This composite picture, measuring 100cm x 70cm x 3, is not merely a painting but a glimpse into a continuous process that spans the years between 1987 and 2020.
What sets Krošl apart is his commitment to consistency. Over the course of these three decades, he painted and composed an astonishing 600 papers, all in the same formats and technique. This deliberate choice transforms his body of work into a conceptual exploration where relations between pieces are as crucial as the individual paintings themselves.
The “Tale of Quantum Garden” encapsulates Krošl’s artistic philosophy, a reflection of the composed, global world that we inhabit. The name “koncept feniks” signifies more than just a pseudonym; it embodies a concept of life that mirrors the fundamental characteristics of our complex reality. In Krošl’s eyes, the world is inherently global, an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of diversity.
In a solo exhibition at the Gallery of Contemporary Art in Celje in 2009, Krošl unveiled not only his paintings but also his “Theory of Provolution of Contemporary Art.” This theory, translated into English and available on the internet, sheds light on the very essence of his work. It’s a guide to understanding the intricate dance between his artistic pieces, a roadmap to navigating the labyrinth of “koncept feniks.”
The theory underscores the significance of relations, an aspect that permeates every stroke on Krošl’s canvas. For him, the aesthetics of his composite pictures transcend the individual aesthetic of each piece; instead, they represent an aesthetic of differences. In a world where diversity is the cornerstone of existence, Krošl’s art becomes a visual celebration of the varied elements that make up our shared reality.
The artist’s belief in the importance of building common ground from differences is evident in every brushstroke. In a global context, where tensions often arise from disparities, Krošl’s work becomes a call for unity. His composite pictures serve as visual metaphors for the potential beauty that emerges when disparate elements come together in harmony.
Krošl’s work invites viewers to contemplate not just the individual pieces but the spaces in between. It beckons us to explore the relationships, the unseen threads that connect one painting to another. It’s a journey into the heart of a global consciousness, where every stroke is a reflection of the interconnectedness that defines our existence.
As “koncept feniks,” Marjan Krošl is not just a painter; he’s a storyteller. His tales unfold not through words but through the vibrant hues and intricate patterns that adorn his canvases. The “Tale of Quantum Garden” is not just a title; it’s an invitation to delve into the mystery of our world, to unravel the layers of meaning hidden within the folds of paint and paper.
