Oton Postružnik
Composition II, 1966
oil on canvas
88 × 115 cm
MG-2664

Oton Postružnik (Maribor, 1900 – Zagreb, 1978) is considered one of the most important figures of modern Croatian art. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb and later refined his skills in Prague and Paris. Postružnik began his artistic career as a member of the “Zemlja” group, known for its socially engaged art. In the postwar period, he emerged as a pioneer of lyrical abstraction in Croatia.
From the 1950s onward, his work evolved into a reduction of figuration into flat signs, pure color, and compositional radiance. His painting began to reflect a unique synthesis of form and color, often characterized by organic shapes and a refined sense of color harmony.
The painting Composition II from 1966 exemplifies the style of abstracted colorist figuration, where the artist's freehand approach is brought to life through vivid hues and expressive colorism. Deeply connected to nature, Postružnik transforms stylized figurative elements into abstract forms that suggest space rather than define it. Dominating the center of the composition are two stylized shapes in purple and orange tones, contrasting with a dynamic background imbued with earthy hues and a rhythmic sequence of blue circles.
Inspired by natural motifs, Postružnik’s work during this period is defined by lyrical abstraction and stylized forms that delicately balance between the figurative and the abstract.

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