Interview
Milan Gergi
Milan Gergi is a Croatian living in Austria, Hainburg/Donau. His love for art came from an artistically talented father, Karlo, who created small sculptures. Milan is self-taught and his works are in private collections worldwide. He has participated in several solo and group exhibitions in Europe, USA and UAE.
Milan is a member of several art associations: Rima-Đurđenovac in Croatia,Künst und Kulturwerkstädte-Brück/Leitha, NÖ Kulturvernetzung and Kulturkreis Kaleidoskop-Vienna in Austria, and Szikla Alap Egyesület in Hungary.
His designs often depict a religious subject, with homage to the greatness of masters of the past. This is a reflection on his life as a Franciscan monk and religious teacher. Paintings of human faces radiate with touching sensibility.
Milan is meticulous and uses the chiaroscuro technique of light and dark. His still life incorporates the pictorial rules of the Renaissance, Realism to Mannerism.
Milan experiments with different techniques: oil and acrylic on canvas, wood, glass, aquarelle and pastel on paper.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“In Croatia, I studied theology in Kbf-Zagreb as a Franciscan monk. In 1990, I experienced a serious car accident. After the rehabilitation period, I was busy as an ex-monk and religious teacher, practicing art for therapeutic reasons. Eventually, my love for art was reignited. During my studies, I completed a seminar for ancient writings—Carolina, Unitiala, Deutche Gotik—under Professor M. Jakubin. My academic background provided the historical and religious influences found in my art.”
What inspires you most?
“An artist does not necessarily have to be able to make a living from art, but can be inspired by art for life. Every artist is also an surviving artist. Creating beautiful things makes you enjoy life.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My themes are often religious. In between, there are portraits of people and animals, landscapes and lately, still life with hidden creatures. I keep my balance by paying homage to the works of the Old Masters that keep me grounded. The basic message of my work is based on the symbiosis between tradition and modernity. I learn from the past to create better in the future.”
How would you describe your work?
“My works are conceived according to the aesthetic principles. It is a form of mental therapy for new times. In my art, I strive to glorify nature as part of the harmony of the highest level. My work is a quiet and relaxing corner for the viewer, as it has a calming effect that is welcome during these stressful times.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My model artists are V. Bukovac, M.C. Medović, F. Kovačević, G. Klimt, A. Tadema, A. Brunovsky, and E. Fuchs.”
What is your creative process like?
“My process consists of several steps. After the theme selection comes the format; whether there will be one picture or more in a cycle. Then comes the form and technique, accompanied by a certain color selection. Finally, I start to sketch or draw.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists are supposed to play a role similar to a guardian in today’s society. In these stormy times, they offer hope and balance to the viewer, so that a bright light shines at the end of the tunnel.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My most recent exhibitions have been:
2022 - Carity Art Project with Adriana Gallery, AC Hotel Marriott Insbrück.
- Houston,Texas. Mural at ‘Perpective 2022’ Height Art Studios & Gallery organized by Museum of the Americas.
- Art Gallery Adriana,Salon Golden Garden Wien.2021 - The Mural for the Peace-will peace at the ALLIANCERRANCAISE-DUBEI.
- Certificate Milan Gergi born in Croatia, Resident of Austria. A fine artist certified by the Museum of the Americas (#0146)Florida.
- Jarny Art Mix. BC Kerammetal Office Gallery-Bratislava.
- Letny Art Mix v Audi Exclusive Gallery-Bratislava.
- Vienna Art Summer, Vienna with Marta Lock (art critic).2020 - Martin Luther Church-Hainburg/Donau.
- Ibiza Art Fair 2020 with Adrian Gallery.
-Open studio day. 2019, 2020 and 2021.2019 - Halterturm Hainburg/Donau.”
