Darija Jelincic
Escapes 1, edition of 10
pigment print
32” x 40”
Darija’s first memory of wanting to make art was at the age of 12. While looking at her hands she realized that they would change over time, so she tried to keep a picture of them in her mind for as long as possible.
She had a burning desire to put her thoughts and ideas into a visual form but growing up in a postwar era Croatia, her family encouraged her to study more practical subjects – like economics or sociology.
It wouldn’t be until many years later when she was an adult, that everything came together for her art adventure.
Darija received a Masters degree in Sociology from the University of Zagreb, Croatia, where she also studied photography. After finishing her studies Darija moved to Prague, Czech Republic. She lived there for twelve years and continued her artistic journey, discovering the long and rich Czech photographic scene.
“I get inspired when I notice changes happening in me or in the world. I see myself as a representative of our society and if something is important to me, it is important for society too”.
“After having an idea I start researching, reading and listening to everything I can find. I think about how it influences our mind and body and why people are drown to it. Usually during this process I already know how I will visualize it”.
What makes the Escapes series special is a gentle palette of low contrast and slightly desaturated colors.
This use of color is an important technique the artist developed over the years. Darija realized there were parts of her personality that she was hiding from and so started expressing her more sensitive and gentle sides. The results are a beautiful and true expression of self.
Darija Jelincic
Escapes Series 4, edition of 10
pigment print
32” x 40”
“When I am looking at a photograph, it is as if I am looking in the mirror and it is nice to see how I am becoming lighter.”
Darija Jelincic
Escapes Series 2, edition of 10
pigment print
32” x 40”
The artist’s intention is to create space for an audience to remind themselves of beauty, serenity, love, compassion and an excitement for life.
“I see art in everything – in loving, in understanding, in dancing, in music, in building relationships… these things are important to me because in these moments I feel connected to myself and thus to the world in general”.
“Recently I moved back to my hometown of Zagreb Croatia where once again everything is new for me.”
Photo of the artist in Pag, Croatia
“My favorite place is behind the camera because there I can live in the here and now. I am completely dedicated to the moment I am making a picture.”
Darija Jelincic
Escapes Series
The Escapes series started when the artist scheduled a last-minute trip to Lesbos, Greece to get away from a stressful life in Prague. Leaving the city behind, she found serenity on the island while gazing at the calming straight line of the horizon. Ironically, while in solitude she found a reconnection to community.
Click here to see more from Escape series by Darija Jelincic.
