Anita Ognjanovska was born in 1972. She lives and works in Skopje, Macedonia, as a full-time contemporary artist. Her true calling lies in painting, which she has pursued for nearly 15 years. This pursuit has enabled her to organize seven successful solo exhibitions and participate in more than 20 group exhibitions, both domestically and internationally. How did you make it to become a successful artist?
Becoming a successful artist is a journey that encompasses both personal fulfilment and external recognition. For me, success as an artist is intimately tied to the recognition of my work by others. It's when the audience can connect with the energy I infuse into my creations, when they desire to have a piece of my art in their homes, offices, and everyday lives. The feedback I receive from these individuals not only validates my artistic journey but also provides me with a tremendous sense of inspiration and purpose.
The path to becoming a successful artist is not always a straightforward one. It's a process that involves numerous stages, challenges, and pivotal moments. It includes passion and dedication, consistency, networking, establishing an online presence, receiving recognition and making sales, and, importantly, embracing feedback for continuous growth. Success as an artist is not a destination but an ongoing journey. My commitment to artistic growth and exploration continues, and I am grateful for the recognition and support I have received along the way.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
My artistic style is defined by a fascination with the interplay between limited colours and rich textures. I carefully select a small palette of colours and experiment with various techniques to create complex textures that evoke a wide range of emotions and sensations. My works often lean toward the abstract or minimalist, encouraging viewers to focus on the interplay between colours, texture and subtle marks. I thoroughly enjoy exploring different media, including paint, collage, and mixed media, and I'm constantly pushing myself to explore new techniques and materials to create unique and engaging contemporary art. Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the contemplation of various aspects of life, such as love, passion, freedom, serenity, and courage. Through my art, I aim to convey a myriad of emotions, everyday occurrences, beautiful moments, quotes from books and movies, and anything that holds deep personal significance to me and stirs my passion. When I paint, I don't have a precise plan; it's spontaneous and emotional. I surrender myself to the joy of painting and the sense of freedom and intuition. It's an intimate, deeply personal world that flows directly from my feelings. At times, my mood influences my work, and at other times, painting becomes a form of therapy, helping me express how I want to feel. The act of painting itself is my peace, my sanctuary, and where I truly belong.What is good art for you?
For me, good art is the kind that evokes deep emotions, captivates me, and speaks to me on a profound level without the need for explanations. I have a genuine appreciation for various art styles, but I'm particularly drawn to abstract expressionism and minimalism.
Your next projects, exhibitions. Where can your work be seen?
I recently concluded a solo exhibition in Zagreb, Croatia, which took place at the end of September and the beginning of October. I'm currently in discussions about future exhibitions and collaborations with galleries. In the meantime, I'm hard at work because my art depends on my dedication. In January 2024, I'm excited to participate in a Group Exhibition in Paris. I've also opened my artist account on the Saatchi Art online platform, where you can explore my artwork. For updates on my artistic journey, you can follow me on my Instagram account.Portrait by Cedo Popovski