“Color asks you what you feel.”
Unveiling the Roots of Creation
Tomislav Topic’s artistic journey is anything but conventional. Born into a working-class immigrant family, art was never a focal point in his early life. Raised in an environment where his parents prioritized a stable future over artistic pursuits, his introduction to creativity was more of an instinctual act than a deliberate choice. From a young age, Tomislav’s interest in art was sparked by his natural aptitude for drawing, a gift that was recognized by his parents. His early lessons with an elderly teacher introduced him to classical techniques, such as pencil, oil painting, and etching, and these formative years set the foundation for what would become a unique artistic practice.
However, it was the introduction of graffiti into his life that would take his creative trajectory in an entirely new direction. As a teenager, graffiti culture captivated him, and it quickly became a defining influence on his artistic identity. Immersed in the world of street art, Tomislav was part of one of the most sought-after graffiti crews for a while in his area. This urban influence eventually led him to pursue formal education in color design, where he further honed his technical skills and delved into animation, particularly stop-motion. These experiences converged to shape his artistic philosophy, which blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary expressions.
For Tomislav, art has always been about more than just career progression. It’s a deeply intuitive process—an act of survival and emotional expression. From the streets of Berlin to the quiet corners of his studio, his creative endeavors are rooted in the joy of making and the need to explore the rich possibilities of color. This unhurried, organic approach allows his art to evolve naturally over time, transforming his surroundings into vibrant landscapes that resonate with personal meaning.
Tomislav Topic: The Language of Color
Central to Tomislav Topic’s work is his profound exploration of color—not as a mere decorative element, but as a powerful, dynamic force. He views color as an emotional language, capable of conveying memory, temperature, and vibration, beyond what is captured in the form of traditional figurative art. His decision to embrace abstraction arises from a desire to experience color in its purest state, free from the constraints of recognizable shapes and figures. By stripping away the narrative and allowing color to stand on its own, Tomislav invites viewers to engage with the emotional and sensory aspects of his art. The absence of figuration opens up a space where color becomes a visceral experience, challenging the audience to interpret it based on their own feelings.
Many of his pieces are deeply site-specific, influenced by the light, dimensions, and unique atmosphere of the spaces in which they reside. Tomislav’s approach is never one-dimensional; it is a layered process where the material itself plays a pivotal role in the narrative. Whether it’s the texture of fiberglass mesh, the softness of textiles, or the rigidness of wood, each material carries its own story, which he repurposes to create something entirely new. This connection to the material world reflects a broader thematic preoccupation with transience, labor, and transformation, elements that are evident in his physical process of building, stretching, and layering.
Tomislav’s process is both structured and spontaneous. He often works with a combination of precise planning and instinctive action, embracing the unpredictable nature of his mediums. It is this balance between control and release that defines his art, where the rhythm of creation becomes a dance between intention and freedom. Through this interaction, he crafts immersive experiences that are not only visually striking but emotionally resonant, giving viewers an opportunity to lose themselves in the purity of color and form.
Experiencing Art Beyond the Studio: Tomislav Topic’s Sanctuary
For Tomislav Topic, the environment in which he works is an integral part of his creative process. After years of sharing studio spaces in Berlin, he sought a quieter, more reflective space that would allow him to slow down and recharge. His current studio, located on a former apple farm on the outskirts of Berlin, has become more than just a place of work. The expansive property, complete with greenhouses and a large garden, serves as both a sanctuary for his body and an incubator for his art. Here, Tomislav grows his own food and finds inspiration in the natural rhythms of the world around him.
The farm’s cooling house has been transformed into a space for larger-scale works, including his signature suspended installations. The physicality of the work requires a fully equipped wood and steel workshop, where Tomislav constructs the architectural elements and frames necessary for his expansive pieces. These hands-on tasks, which range from painting to fabricating, are often intense and immersive, demanding both physical effort and mental focus. For more delicate, conceptual work, Tomislav retreats to a quieter, loft-like studio where he can explore smaller, more meditative pieces.
Tomislav’s approach to distractions has transformed over time. What once might have seemed like interruptions are now welcomed as part of an ongoing dialogue with the living environment around him. Life on the farm — from its rhythms to its demands — introduces processes that shape his artistic direction in unexpected ways. Whether it’s the intensity of the sun bleaching surfaces or the evaporation of pigmented water under heat, these conditions become collaborators in his practice. This openness to process, and to the influence of place, reflects a core principle of his work: allowing the environment to actively participate in creation, guiding both form and outcome in ways that are intuitive, responsive, and continually evolving.
Tomislav Topic: A Vision of Monumental Scale
Throughout his career, Tomislav Topic has continuously pushed the boundaries of his work, whether through large-scale installations or experimenting with new mediums. His love for color and material exploration has led him to use a wide variety of materials, from fiberglass mesh to rope, paper, and textile. Each medium offers its own unique texture and resonance, which allows Tomislav to create dynamic works that breathe life into the spaces they occupy. While fiberglass mesh has become a signature material, particularly in creating the moiré effect that defined his early installations, he remains open to the endless possibilities of color and material.
One of Tomislav’s most pivotal moments came in 2018, with an installation on the Greek island of Paxos. Facing logistical challenges and a tight budget, Tomislav decided to embrace the unexpected. The project, which resulted in the piece Kagkatika’s Secret, became a turning point in his career. The installation was a vivid explosion of color, made possible by an array of a full spray can color palette which he has never used like this before. The experience, combined with the natural beauty of the island and the camaraderie of fellow artists, resulted in a work that resonated on a deep personal level. It also marked the beginning of an international wave of recognition for Tomislav’s work, with projects spanning across continents and bringing his color-driven installations to audiences worldwide.
Looking ahead, Tomislav harbors a dream of creating a monumental, fully immersive installation that blends architecture, nature, and history into a seamless whole. This grand vision reflects his ongoing desire to create spaces where color, material, and environment converge, becoming a unified experience for those who encounter it. Yet, he remains patient, trusting that the right moment will come when the vision is ready to be realized. His approach is one of constant evolution, a rhythm dictated by the flow of creativity and the deep belief that every project, whether large or small, contributes to the ongoing dialogue between color, place, and memory.
