Milivoj Uzelac
Odalisque on Cushions, 1934
Oil on canvas
80 x 100 cm
MG-999

The artistic work of Milivoj Uzelac (Mostar, 1897 – Cotignac, France, 1977) during his years in France after the 1930s is infused with a Fauvist sensitivity to color and the emotional expressiveness of Expressionism. His study of the works of French masters such as Henri Matisse (Le Cateau-Cambrésis, 1869 – Nice, 1954) and André Derain (Chatou, 1880 – Garches, 1954) left a visible mark on his paintings from this period. Odalisque on Cushions stands as a remarkable example of that influence. The composition features a reclining female figure in a relaxed pose, situated in an intimate interior setting, surrounded by cushions and everyday objects such as a pitcher and a plate of fruit. Beyond the cozy atmosphere and vivid coloration, the painting is also distinguished by the powerful presence of the figure.
Milivoj Uzelac was one of the key figures of Croatian modernism. He received his education in Banja Luka, Zagreb, and Prague, where he honed his painting skills. In Prague, he was closely associated with several prominent contemporaries, including Vilko Gecan (Kuželj near Brod na Kupi, 1894 – Zagreb, 1973), Marijan Trepše (Zagreb, 1897 – 1964), and Vladimir Varlaj (Zagreb, 1895 – 1962). Together, they formed the core of a new expressionist movement in Croatia, often referred to as the "Prague Four." After returning from Prague in 1919, Uzelac remained active in Zagreb for only a few years. In 1923, he left his homeland and moved to France, where he drew inspiration from contemporary European art movements such as Fauvism, Expressionism, and Cubism. Although he lived and worked in France, he regularly exhibited in Croatia and had a significant influence on the new generation of Croatian painters during the interwar period.

Text: Luciana Fuks, Curatorial Intern at the National Museum of Modern Art © National Museum of Modern Art, Zagreb
Photo: Goran Vranić © National Museum of Modern Art, Zagreb