The scan.art Emerging Artist Prize 2024 has announced its winners, and taking home the prize for the Drawing Category is Croatian artist Mario Javoran. Known for his exceptional ability to merge classical drawing techniques with conceptual storytelling, Javoran has captured the attention of the art world with his deeply emotional and thoughtful works. His drawings are not just artistic representations but reflections of the Mediterranean culture, religion, and human psychology.
Blending Classical Technique with Conceptual Depth
Mario Javoran’s work is rooted in classical drawing techniques, yet it ventures into undiscovered realms of creative expression. His ability to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity is most evident in his award-winning piece, “Mediterranean Grandmothers” (charcoal pencil on paper, 120×90 cm). This heartfelt tribute to Mediterranean grandmothers showcases Javoran’s talent for capturing both the emotional depth and resilience of his subjects.
The artwork depicts an elderly woman in a small wooden boat, cradling a fish tank with two sardines. This simple yet powerful image symbolizes the unwavering love and protection grandmothers offer, shielding their loved ones from the external world. The use of charcoal allows Javoran to convey the tenderness and strength of his subjects with an intricate attention to detail, creating a poignant visual narrative that resonates with viewers.
Notable Achievements and Artistic Journey
Born in Zadar, Croatia, Mario Javoran graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb in 2018. His education provided him with a strong foundation in classical drawing, but his artistic journey led him to explore the fusion of classical techniques with conceptual storytelling. By combining composition, line, texture, and form, Javoran creates works that delve into dark realms of human history, relationships, and spirituality, often influenced by his Mediterranean roots.
Javoran’s works are characterized by their emotional depth and the careful balance between aesthetics and narrative. He describes his approach as “drawing in the service of an idea,” where each element serves to tell a story. His distinctive style often incorporates elements of painting and printmaking, all while staying true to the “holy trinity” of paper, pencil, and eraser.
Work Featured in the Finalist Exhibition
At the scan.art Emerging Artist Prize 2024 Finalist Exhibition at Bakerhouse Gallery in Graz, Austria, Javoran’s piece “Mediterranean Grandmothers” stood out as a profound reflection on tradition and resilience. The exhibition, which opened on October 18th, brought together 24 finalists across four categories—Painting, Photography, Mixed Media, and Drawing—and allowed Javoran to showcase his distinctive narrative-driven approach to drawing.
His work, which blends the familiar with the conceptual, invites viewers to engage with themes of identity, spirituality, and the enduring strength of human relationships. Javoran’s ability to connect the past with the present, and the personal with the universal, makes him a deserving winner of the Drawing Category.
Looking Forward
As the Drawing Category Winner, Mario Javoran will receive a shared exhibition booth at the Discovery Art Fair Frankfurt 2024 and World Art Dubai 2025. Additionally, his work will be featured in an online solo exhibition on scan.art, and he will be presented with a physical award to honor his achievement. These prestigious exhibitions provide Javoran with the opportunity to continue sharing his deeply moving and technically proficient works with a global audience.
Javoran’s art exemplifies the vision of the scan.art Emerging Artist Prize: celebrating emerging artists who bring fresh perspectives and innovation to the contemporary art world. By drawing on his Mediterranean heritage and blending classical techniques with conceptual depth, Javoran has created a body of work that resonates with audiences across the world.
To explore more of Mario Javoran’s exceptional work, visit his profile on scan.art.
