Branko Kovacevic Biography
Branko Kovačević was born in Zadvarje in 1911. After studying art with Emanuel Vidović in the city of Split, he graduated from the Belgrade Academy of Arts. Later, he taught art in Zagreb, was head of the Art Gallery in Dubrovnik, and worked as a set designer in Osijek.
During the early years of his career, Kovačević was influenced by the painting of Emanuel Vidović, but later developed a style characterized by the color blue and Mediterranean atmospheres, especially in Dubrovnik interiors. Although he was a self-taught artist, he successfully organized his first solo exhibition in Split.
During World War II, Kovačević abandoned conventional art and painted works representing the NOB theme. After the war, he returned to his intimate painting and coastal themes in landscape.
Branko Kovačević's intense chromaticism was influenced by Kosta Strajnić, Petar Dobrović and Petar Konjović. Furthermore, it has been called part of the Hrat micro-tradition and represents a projection of the Split school in the Dubrovnik area, where he lived.
In 1952, Kovačević began to experiment with Cubism, and was influenced by the geometric resolution of volumes. During that time, he traveled around the world, trying to build a bridge between Dubrovnik and the world.
Kovačević was also known for his paintings of women from Dalmatian Zagora and stone landscapes. He tried to return to the safety of regional intimacy, including Fauvism and paintings such as Interior with Flowers or Interior of a Study with a Piano.
Branko Kovačević died in October 1988.
