"It is unusual in the whole story that Elka has an academic painter in her house whose work is completely different from hers. That is their value."
Born in 1959 in Slavonski Brod, Croatia, Josip Vukojević began his artistic journey at a young age, but it was in 1977 that he began taking his passion for painting more seriously. In 1986, Josip graduated from the "Albert Gruber" drawing and painting school in Slavonski Brod under the guidance of Professor Krunoslav Kern. After a series of independent and group exhibitions, he furthered his education at The "Agora" Academy in Zagreb, Croatia, under the tutelage of Professor Dino Trtovac, graduating in 2000.
Josip is a former member of the Croatian Association of Fine Artists (HDLU) and also contributed his efforts as a former member of "World of Silence," an organization dedicated to promoting culture among individuals with impaired hearing in Croatia. Additionally, he is a former member of Creativo SB.
Throughout his artistic journey, Josip has been a mentor to numerous artists, including his wife Elka. He has introduced more than 20 painters to the craft. In most of his works, he employs acrylic techniques, dry pastels, and oil on canvas. Recently, Josip introduced a new technique, "Combined technique," into his works, which has proven to be very successful. This innovative approach allows his works to be more affordably priced.
Josip has held 38 solo exhibitions and participated in 218 group exhibitions. He has been an active participant in art colonies, joining them 185 times, many of which were dedicated to charitable causes. He has received over 140 awards for his artistic and humanitarian contributions. Josip has also been involved in humanitarian and general auctions, donating more than 274 paintings for various causes, including orphans, the reconstruction of war-torn cities in Croatia, and support for war veterans, among others.
Josip works as an independent artist, and his creations can be found in numerous private collections, both in Croatia and around the world.
Josip's talents have been recognized at the international level with several notable awards:
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In 2007, he won 1st prize at the 19th International Deaf Artists Competition in Italy (Cuvio - Varese), earning him the title of European champion.
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In 2008, he secured 3rd prize at the "Buza" international competition in Albania (Tirana), establishing his global presence.
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2008 also marked another achievement, with Josip winning 4th prize at the 20th International Deaf Artists Competition in Italy (Cuvio - Varese).
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In 2009, Josip clinched 1st prize at the 21st International Deaf Artists Competition in Italy (Cuvio - Varese), reaffirming his European champion status.
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The same year, he secured 1st prize at the 1st International Deaf Artists Competition "SNAGA BOJA U TISINI" in Zagreb, Croatia, further solidifying his reputation in the world of art.
Josip's remarkable journey as an artist is a testament to his dedication, passion, and commitment to the art world, and his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences globally.
Josip Vukojević
Born in 1963 in Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elka now lives and works in Slavonski Brod, Croatia. She graduated in 1982 from the Slava Raškaj Center for Education in Zagreb. After graduating, she dedicated herself to family life and moved to Slavonski Brod, where she currently resides happily with her husband, Josip Vukojević.
Elka has spent the majority of her life appreciating art and supporting her husband Josip's extraordinary artistic achievements. She provided Josip with the most support at the beginning of his career, which undoubtedly gave her insight into the art world and everything it encompasses.
In 2016, Elka courageously embarked on her own artistic journey, becoming actively engaged and working alongside her husband Josip, who officially became an active mentor in Elka’s artistic development. It was expected that she would receive encouragement from him, and he would actively participate in Elka’s artistic journey because he is primarily her husband and mentor. This collaboration led to an astounding transformation in Elka’s life. Finally, her hidden talent was revealed to the world through skillful brushstrokes.
Elka conveys a strong message in every painting she creates, using an interplay of various hues and brushstrokes to tell a unique tale that will not leave anyone indifferent. Her style is distinct from realism yet undeniably vibrant, conveying a powerful message. Elka is a former member of the Creativo SB association.
