article In conversation with
Dragica Carlin
In conversation with
Dragica Carlin
In conversation with Dragica Carlin about
the studio as a sacred space and the
transformative power of gesture and colour.
the studio as a sacred space and the
transformative power of gesture and colour.
In conversation with Dragica Carlin about
the studio as a sacred space and the
transformative power of gesture and colour.
Dragica Carlin is a London-based British-Croatian abstract painter known for her immersive, gestural works exploring light, movement, and the unseen energies of existence.
With a deeply intuitive practice—what Carlin calls a “second brain”—her paintings become a speculative, sensory journey. Her signature swirling brushstrokes, drawn from everyday visual cues and emotional impulse, reflect a dynamic interplay of chaos and calm.
With a deeply intuitive practice—what Carlin calls a “second brain”—her paintings become a speculative, sensory journey. Her signature swirling brushstrokes, drawn from everyday visual cues and emotional impulse, reflect a dynamic interplay of chaos and calm.
Artiq When did your art practice begin?
Dragica Art practice has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but it was in my twenties that I fully embraced painting as a medium. Painting became a necessity, an otherworldly obsession, or the 'second brain' that allows me to think in a particular way and understand the world around me. My art practice is a highly speculative process that awakens my senses and expands my mind, allowing me to enter the intriguing world of the unknown where I can exist freely.
Artiq We recently had the pleasure of visiting your studio space. How does your studio contribute to, shape, and enable your creative practice?
Dragica I cannot imagine life without this space where I go to collect my thoughts, reflect on the world, and contemplate painting. It's a sacred space for any artist, a place of reflection where sometimes even the most chaotic mind can transform its energy into calm forms and concepts. My studio space is part of the work. When I am in this space, it feels like I see all that is invisible and visible around me, existing discreetly and waiting to be discovered and placed in the context of meaning. The studio is an essential part of my well-being.
Dragica Art practice has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but it was in my twenties that I fully embraced painting as a medium. Painting became a necessity, an otherworldly obsession, or the 'second brain' that allows me to think in a particular way and understand the world around me. My art practice is a highly speculative process that awakens my senses and expands my mind, allowing me to enter the intriguing world of the unknown where I can exist freely.
Artiq We recently had the pleasure of visiting your studio space. How does your studio contribute to, shape, and enable your creative practice?
Dragica I cannot imagine life without this space where I go to collect my thoughts, reflect on the world, and contemplate painting. It's a sacred space for any artist, a place of reflection where sometimes even the most chaotic mind can transform its energy into calm forms and concepts. My studio space is part of the work. When I am in this space, it feels like I see all that is invisible and visible around me, existing discreetly and waiting to be discovered and placed in the context of meaning. The studio is an essential part of my well-being.
Artiq The physicality of your swirls carries forward a sense of movement. How does this movement tie into your practice?
Dragica I am constantly astonished by how a single movement of the brush can change the energy of the entire painting and how the touch of paint on the canvas can produce an image so complex in a single moment. The way my brush moves not only shapes the mood of the artwork but also affects the psychological atmosphere of myself as the creator and, consequently, the viewer. Guided by the physicality of the paint, my brushstrokes create swirls that appear to move, capturing our attention and holding it, even in stillness. My swirls are ever-changing and reflect the essence of our being,
Artiq Where do you find inspiration for the colour palettes you use within your swirls?
Dragica I collect visual references or elements that inspire my imagination from random spaces; it can be an orange peel or the texture of a brick. The sensation of observing objects around me and bringing that feeling to the studio determines the palette I work with. Mixing the paint is an intuition. The colours that arise within my paintings come to life in an unplanned and natural way. In my work, it is not possible to predict how colours will relate to one another; sometimes the most extreme hues balance with the movement of my brush, and at other times, they don't.
Dragica I am constantly astonished by how a single movement of the brush can change the energy of the entire painting and how the touch of paint on the canvas can produce an image so complex in a single moment. The way my brush moves not only shapes the mood of the artwork but also affects the psychological atmosphere of myself as the creator and, consequently, the viewer. Guided by the physicality of the paint, my brushstrokes create swirls that appear to move, capturing our attention and holding it, even in stillness. My swirls are ever-changing and reflect the essence of our being,
Artiq Where do you find inspiration for the colour palettes you use within your swirls?
Dragica I collect visual references or elements that inspire my imagination from random spaces; it can be an orange peel or the texture of a brick. The sensation of observing objects around me and bringing that feeling to the studio determines the palette I work with. Mixing the paint is an intuition. The colours that arise within my paintings come to life in an unplanned and natural way. In my work, it is not possible to predict how colours will relate to one another; sometimes the most extreme hues balance with the movement of my brush, and at other times, they don't.
Artiq We are pleased to feature your work in a recent workplace project! How has Artiq supported your practice over our 10-year partnership?
Dragica Over the years, my collaboration with Artiq has helped me expose my work to very different audiences, some of whom would otherwise most likely not see my work in traditional galleries and art fairs. Artiq's diverse approach to artists and clients is incredibly unique and complimentary to its artists because it preserves artistic integrity while encouraging and promoting professionalism through exposure and helping artists sustain their practice. Additionally, Artiq creates a hub for all kinds of creative minds where people can introduce their work freely, regardless of their age, culture, or sexuality. I am so happy to be part of this.
Artiq Do you have any upcoming projects you would like to share with us?
Dragica In addition to several smaller group shows, I have a large commercial mural commission installation Venice coming up in April this year, and I am currently working towards a solo show in Chicago in September — details/exact dates to be confirmed.
Dragica Over the years, my collaboration with Artiq has helped me expose my work to very different audiences, some of whom would otherwise most likely not see my work in traditional galleries and art fairs. Artiq's diverse approach to artists and clients is incredibly unique and complimentary to its artists because it preserves artistic integrity while encouraging and promoting professionalism through exposure and helping artists sustain their practice. Additionally, Artiq creates a hub for all kinds of creative minds where people can introduce their work freely, regardless of their age, culture, or sexuality. I am so happy to be part of this.
Artiq Do you have any upcoming projects you would like to share with us?
Dragica In addition to several smaller group shows, I have a large commercial mural commission installation Venice coming up in April this year, and I am currently working towards a solo show in Chicago in September — details/exact dates to be confirmed.
