Former Olympic sailor now creates sculptures: 'Many works were created long ago, somewhere on the open sea'

Zagreb is set to host a solo exhibition by artist Damir Vrdoljak Mandeta, titled 'A Walk Through Dreams,' on Wednesday, September 2nd. The exhibition, opening at 8 PM at the Kranjčar Gallery, will present a comprehensive look at his artistic output, including seven sculptures and approximately twenty wall-mounted works.

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I see myself as a person who engages in art and enjoys this game in which I have woven my complete self. In nature, I want to be a little boy who plays, who doesn't want to grow up, in his own little world. That's why the title of the exhibition 'A Walk Through Dreams' is a vivid depiction of my interpretation of how and in what way I want to live.

Mandeta, who is self-taught and a former Olympic class sailor, draws heavily from his life experiences, emotions, and passion for creation. The sea and his years spent sailing have left an indelible mark on his work. He describes sailing not as conquering the wind, but as an enhancement of pleasure and excitement, with the wind symbolizing freedom. He notes that many of his works originated conceptually during his time at sea, waiting to be realized.

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Sailing marked my life. It wasn't about taming the wind, but about complementing pleasures and excitement. The wind is a symbol of freedom, and the pleasure of sailing is something priceless.

The exhibition's title, 'A Walk Through Dreams,' reflects Mandeta's self-perception as someone who enjoys the artistic process as a form of play, wishing to remain in his own small world. He aims to live life through his unique interpretation of dreams. Visitors will see sculptures representing his work over the last decade, alongside newer wall pieces created mostly in the past two years.

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Many of the works I have made were created long ago, actually somewhere on the open sea, while I was sailing, and it was only a matter of time before they surfaced.

Mandeta combines various materials and techniques, including wood, metal, and plastic, in his creation process, which he describes as demanding patience and time. He emphasizes that creating is not solely about inspiration but about the ability to integrate different craft skills at his desired pace. He creates primarily for his own satisfaction but also to share his artistic world with art lovers. He views art as an intuitive path, constantly seeking new forms, colors, and modes of expression, finding fulfillment in the creative journey itself.

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Creating is a long process, from sketch to finished work. Sometimes it goes fast, sometimes it's difficult. It's not just about inspiration, but the ability to unite all the actions; woodworking, metalworking, plastics, and others, at the pace I would like.