Animalism in the work of Vladimir Filakovac

Besides the popular exhibition “Fliers of the Great Sky”, the Croatian Natural History Museum is concurrently presenting another interesting exhibition, “Animalism in the work of Vladimir Filakovac”. Both exhibitions will remain open until the end of the year.

The Croatian Natural History Museum, located on Demetrova Street in the Upper Town, will provide a unique opportunity to see two large exhibitions by the end of the year. The first one, “Fliers of the Great Sky”, has been on show for several months now; the new, now concurrent exhibition is entitled: “Animalism in the work of Vladimir Filakovac”. This new exhibition is dedicated to the memory of the late academic painter and graphic designer, Izabela Šimunović (1970 – 2010), in which the Amadeo Stage and the Croatian Natural History Museum are presenting artists whose works have been inspired by nature.

Among them is certainly the great Croatian painter Vladimir Filakovac (1892 - 1972), who is considered an heir to the Munich circle tradition in the world of art. In the early phases of his opus he focused on figural compositions, landscapes and portraits, but later on he switched more towards postimpressionistic works, specifically to animal studies.

This part of his opus forms the main part of the exhibition, so naturally hosted by the Croatian Natural History Museum. Even more exciting, those responsible for the exhibition have presented the works in a synergy with large stuffed animals that are part of the museum’s permanent exhibit.

Visitors will have an ideal opportunity to become more familiar with captured wild moments. A stuffed tiger with gaping jaws has been excellently placed within the scene with Filakovac’s portrait of a tiger in a victorious roar over a body of an antelope. Near a stuffed lion, there is a portrait “Melancholy Lion”, as well as portraits of numerous other animals.