Dado Mikulić was born 1964 in Split, Croatia. He completed technical studies as an engineer and later earned a Master of Social Sciences degree. He has been aware of his talent and fondness for art since he was child, so he has been drawing and painting his entire life. In the past decade Dado mastered his art with support and mentorship of his twin brother, academic painter Neno Mikulić. He lives and works at two addresses, Split and Zagreb.
How did you get into art?
I have always been captivated by painting and art, but my serious devotion to painting started 7-8 years ago. I was also fortunate to have a twin brother Neno Mikulic, who has been a professional artist for around thirty years. In the beginning he was my mentor and advisor. We always shared the same love and passion for art.
How would you describe your style? What makes your art special?
It is structured, multilayered contemporary abstract painting. Occasionally, it may incorporate elements of Pop Art or collage. As for your second question, I believe that my work is unique as I rely on my own instinct, sensibility and imagination to bring my ideas to life and express deepest emotions.
How do you go about developing your work?
Sometimes I start with a fairly clear idea of what I am going to create, but I may make numerous new decisions during the painting process. As a result, the initial idea can be significantly changed. I view each new painting as a fresh challenge, a new exploration, and a new journey that may always turn into grappling with the canvas and tricky puzzle solving. My works are often composed of various color pieces in a manner resembling patchwork. Some parts may feature thick layers of paint, while others are done with a lighter touch, and I may use graphic prints and collage elements as well. Some portions could be painted in a very controlled manner while others could be gestural painting.
Who or what influences you?
Initially, I was influenced by post-impressionist painters like Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Gauguin. I admired the way they played with the brushstrokes and colors. Moving from figurative painting to abstraction, I was influenced by abstract expressionist painters like Rothko, Kline, De Kooning, but also by Klee, Reinhardt, Albers, as well as Warhol, Rauschenberg and many other contemporary artists. I follow a number of younger artists so they may also subconsciously trigger my inspiration and new ideas.
What are you planning to do next?
I am mostly focused on the painting process and new works for the moment. Obviously, I indulge in what I am doing now, and I am feeling like I have rather more to offer within my current cycle. Even though I should probably need to pay more attention to participating in future exhibitions, I would probably continue delving into my inner instinct and sentiments.
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