A Journey Through Zagreb’s Graphics Legacy

Graphic design in Zagreb began to take shape in the 19th century under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During this time, printing houses produced various graphic materials including posters, newspaper illustrations, and books.

For instance, printing presses were responsible for creating promotional materials for theatrical performances and public events. The graphic style of this era often featured detailed illustrations and classical design elements. 

Stone Gate

Between the Two World Wars

In the period between World War I and World War II, graphic design in Zagreb became more dynamic. The 1920s and 1930s saw the emergence of new techniques and styles. Art Deco and Expressionism influenced poster designs and promotional materials. During this time, there was also a focus on book and magazine design, with an emphasis on illustration and typography.

Mid-20th Century Modernism

After World War II, Zagreb experienced a surge in modernist graphic design. The city became a prominent center for graphic arts in the former Yugoslavia. Artists such as Dušan Džamonja and Kosta Angeli Radovani were actively involved in creating modern graphic works.

Poster design, often used for promoting cultural events and political campaigns, gained significant attention, more than ever before. Graphic design education became a bigger priority as well.

Institutions like the Faculty of Design and Graphics (now part of the University of Zagreb) developed programs and courses that guided young designers towards contemporary graphic standards and practices.

Zagreb Funicular

Contemporary Period

As the 20th century drew to a close and the 21st century began, Zagreb became a hub for graphic design innovation, once again. The digital revolution introduced new tools and techniques, allowing designers to explore novel possibilities.

Graphic design began to integrate into various media, including web design, interactive media, and multimedia projects. The city also became home to numerous art exhibitions, workshops, and festivals focusing on graphic design and visual arts.

Examples include Zagreb Design Week, which showcases the work of local and international designers, and various galleries and cultural centers that promote graphic arts.

Furthermore, organizations such as the Croatian Association of Visual Artists (HDLU) and the Croatian Designers Association (HDD) actively contribute to the development and promotion of graphic design in Zagreb.

Zagreb Cathedral

Overview of Graphics in Zagreb

Zagreb's rich graphic arts scene is reflected through its diverse collections and institutions dedicated to preserving and showcasing graphic design and art. 

The City Museum of Zagreb

The City Museum of Zagreb houses a collection of paintings, graphics, and applied graphics that highlights the city’s historical and artistic evolution. This collection, while primarily artistic, is deeply influenced by the cultural and historical context of Zagreb.

The collection is divided into three main subsets: 

• Portraits of Zagreb Residents

• Visual Representations of Zagreb

• Events

These collections are continuously updated through acquisitions and donations, with over 2,000 items. This forms a comprehensive visual record of Zagreb’s urban life and its people.

The Klovićevi Dvori Gallery

There is a treat for those loving contemporary art as well. The 9th Croatian Triennial of Graphic Arts, held at Klovićevi dvori in 2024, showcased contemporary Croatian graphic art.

This exhibition presents a broad range of works from established and emerging artists, reflecting current trends and practices. The displayed artworks span a variety of techniques and styles, offering insights into the evolution and innovation within the field of graphic design.

St. Mark's Church

Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts

The Cabinet of Graphic Arts, established in 1916 within the Yugoslav Academy of Sciences and Arts, is a cornerstone of Zagreb’s graphic art scene. Officially operational from 1951, the Cabinet houses a vast collection of over 20,000 items, including:

• The Old Collection and 19th-Century Graphics: Featuring works by both international and Croatian artists from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

• The 20th and 21st Century Graphics: Including works by prominent Croatian and international artists such as M. Kraljević, J. Račić, and J. Arp.

• The Posters Collection: Over 3,200 posters by significant Croatian artists and designers.

• The Collection of Print Matrices: Approximately 500 examples by Croatian graphic artists.

Since 1997, the Cabinet of Graphic Arts also operates a chalcographic workshop, producing prints and educational materials, and hosting workshops for students.

On the other hand, if you are in a purchasing mood, there are a couple of galleries which offer a wide range of graphic art pieces, perfect for adding a touch of culture to your collection or home:

• Gallery Luka collaborates with leading Croatian painters, offering a wide range of artworks. These include various types of graphics like serigraphy, linocut, and etching, as well as classic techniques such as watercolor, gouache, and oil on canvas. They also provide a certificate of authenticity with each purchase.

• A.L.M. Art Gallery organized hundreds of solo and group exhibitions and participated in numerous humanitarian actions both in Croatia and abroad over the past 29 years. They provide a diverse collection of famous artists as well as frames.

Of course, there are many more galleries for you to discover in and around Zagreb, each offering unique art pieces that can enrich your collection. Whether you are an avid collector or a casual art enthusiast, Zagreb's vibrant art scene promises a diverse array of graphic works, from traditional prints and illustrations to contemporary digital art.

Tkalčićeva street

Get Your Own Art Fix

Overall, the history of graphics in Zagreb is rich and complex, reflecting the city’s evolving cultural and artistic landscape. Each period brings new styles and approaches, from classical techniques to modern innovations. 

So, next time you visit, make sure to wander through the charming streets of Zagreb and immerse yourself in its artistic offerings. Stroll leisurely from gallery to gallery, letting the vibrant colors and intricate designs captivate your senses.

Don't miss anything, see you there!

Author: Valentin Preložiček