Vlado Martek reflects on 50 years of conceptual art

Croatian artist Vlado Martek reflects on a 50-year career characterized by the fusion of literature and visual arts. Martek, who began his journey as a street activist and rebel, has recently been honored with the Zagreb City Award and a lifetime achievement award.

Throughout his career, Martek has transitioned from street agitation to galleries and books, working across painting, sculpture, and actionism as a dedicated conceptualist. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining an outsider perspective and ensuring that the message of the work remains primary over the medium itself. He advocates for honesty in creation and the importance of reading and awareness in the artistic process.