The realistic paintings of Zvonimir Mihanovic draw inspiration from the peacefulness and serenity of the Dalmatian coast on the Adriatic Sea – where the artist resides. It seems, in the artist’s paintings, that time has stopped, like flies caught in honey. His boats and villages rest peacefully in silence and stillness. Central to all his works is the essence of Nature – light. With his mastery of capturing light, combined with an unmatched skill of his use of colors, Mihanovic captures serenity, peace and harmony.
Mihanovic gained international recognition in the art world in 1978 when one of his paintings was shown at the Salon d’automne in the Grand Palais in Paris in a juried show of European artists, as each country was represented by their top artist. Zvonimir’s painting won the “Best of Show” honor for the “realism” division for all European countries. It was at this event that major art dealers recognized his work and introduced him to the international art scene. Major galleries in the United States began promoting his art and organizing exhibitions, including galleries in New York, Chicago, Palm Beach, Beverly Hills, and Aspen. FORBES MAGAZINES CEO Steve Forbes and Vice Chairman, Christopher Forbes, have been admirers and collectors of the artist since their father, Malcolm S. Forbes, purchased the Oil painting “Solitude Ensoleille” in 1981 for the renown Forbes collection. Most recently, The Forbes Galleries hosted the largest one- man show of Mihanovic’s career. This prestigious show was viewed from December 12, 2012 through February 16, 2013 at The Forbes Galleries, Forbes Magazine Headquarters, on 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York.
