Department of Painting

The Department of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of Zagreb is the heart of art education in Croatia, with more than a century of tradition and continuous contribution to the development of fine arts. Founded in 1907, this department nurtures classical artistic values and at the same time responds to the challenges of the modern age, providing students with a solid foundation for professional and personal artistic development.

The basic mission of the Department of Painting is to shape artists who are able to express their own creative identity, critically reflect on the world around them, and create works that enrich the contemporary cultural and art scene. Through focused mentoring work, a wealth of art techniques, and an interdisciplinary approach, the Department enables students to explore the boundaries of their own artistic expression, from traditional media to innovative contemporary forms.

The study programs of the Department of Painting are structured to include key aspects of art education – from mastering drawing and painting techniques to acquiring theoretical knowledge about art history, aesthetics and contemporary art practices. During the undergraduate study, students are introduced to basic disciplines such as drawing, painting, composition and art analysis, while the graduate study allows for further specialization and individualized work under the guidance of professional mentors.

Space for work and creation is provided through classrooms-studios, located in the historic building of the Academy in Ilica 85, where students have the opportunity to work every day in a creative and supportive environment. Special emphasis is placed on practical work, interactive projects and cooperation with other artistic and cultural institutions, which encourages networking and interdisciplinary activity.

The Department of Painting is also recognized internationally, thanks to numerous collaborations with art academies, galleries and cultural institutions around the world. Through mobility programs, exhibitions and workshops, students have the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues and experts from different artistic contexts.

The Department of Painting not only educates future artists, but also actively contributes to the preservation and development of visual culture in Croatia and beyond. Generations of graduate painters from this department today work as recognized artists, pedagogues and cultural workers, shaping the art scene and creating an artistic dialogue between the past, present and future.