ARSO IVANOVICH
 Arso Ivanovich's paintings are known to many art lovers and critics throughout the United States and Europe. His versatility of style and technique is apparent, as his artistic influences are many - Picasso, Cézanne and Dali. But he remains faithful to his own instincts and memories of his native homeland, (Montenegro) Yugoslavia, and its proud, tumultuous history.
Ivanovich's paintings have ranged from the thick, textured oils of his expressionistic figures and post impressionistic landscapes, to the 'crystallized' transparency of his frozen watercolor. The majority of Ivanovich's work is painted using the revolutionary frozen technique, combining colorful realism, mystique and fantasy with a harmonious cracking of the paint pigments, reminiscent of frosted windowpanes on a cold, winter morning. The secret of his technique lies in the placing of the wet painting into cold temperatures under these extreme conditions of cold the watercolor - pigment-frieze and crack, creating an indescribably beautiful effect.
His bold, narrative paintings depict figures set in surreal landscapes and fantastic situations that convey universal meanings. Each figure appears to be at odds with its environment, yet fixed in space. Many paintings portray or suggest aggressive confrontations interpreted from history, classical mythology and combined with his dream.
This artist media is very complicated. He feels so comfortable that he is using the same process with oil painting. Result is unbelievable.
He studied Art at the University of Sarajevo, Yugoslavia - School of Fine Arts in 1965. Ivanovich came to the United States in 1967 and received his M.S. in Art at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 1972.
If the tempo of his artistic accomplishments is maintained the name of Arso Ivanovich will join the ranks of the great artist of our time. His works will bring untold pleasure for lovers of fine art throughout the world.
"I strive to make every painting I do different", Ivanovich explains. "There is simply no other way, no other choice if I remain an artist. I have to trust myself and paint for myself. My art is my world, my world is my painting, my painting is my life."
"Artists must believe that they will active their poetic end by means of beautiful models or beautiful motifs. We rather trust, we shall reach it by means of beautiful elements, for indeed the most beautiful of elements are certainly those of the mind. In my paintings all extreme forces of vision come in one composition. I am painting for myself, to satisfy my soul. Art is like language that everyone understands, but very few people can speak."
Ivanovich has more than 150 articles in newspapers and magazines here and abroad. His works are included in:
- Yugoslavia Encyclopedia of Art
- Encyclopedia of Living Artists
- Who's Who in American Art 1995 - 2001
- Serbs in the World - Who is Who
- Contemporary Artists of Montenegro.
Arso Ivanovich has 39 one-man shows including:
- Art Expo (1985) - New York, NY
- Art Expo (1986) - Los Angeles, CA
- Museum - Kenosha, WI
- Museum - Milwaukee, WI (group show)
- West Bend Gallery - West Bend, WI
- Rotunda Building - Madison, WI (Parliament Building)
- Gallery of the Wisconsin Academy of Art and Science - Madison, WI
- National Museum - Belgrade, Yugoslavia (group show)
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