"Mondegreen" Painting

Igor Kotnik (working under the signature Igor Kotnik Art, formerly known as PastelArt) is an established Slovenian contemporary artist based near Ljubljana. Educated in Fashion Design at the School of Design and Photography in Ljubljana, Kotnik brings over five decades of creative devotion, spatial intuition, and stylistic maturity to the canvas.

Between 2022 and 2025, Kotnik experienced an intense international breakthrough, showcasing his work across global art capitals including Paris (Carrousel du Louvre), Dubai (Andakulova Gallery), Berlin, Prague, Trieste, and numerous prominent regional exhibitions. His artwork has caught the attention of international collectors and is currently held in diverse private collections across Slovenia, Europe, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Artist Statement

My artistic practice moves fluidly between powerful abstract expressionism and stylized figurative compositions, deeply anchored in the tactile dialogue between form, material, and emotion. Working predominantly on large-scale canvases (ranging from 100x100cm to 100x140cm), I approach each piece as a balance between structure and spontaneity.

I construct my paintings using a rich, layered mixed media approach—combining acrylic paint, dry pastels, modeling paste, and sand to build highly tactile, sculptural surfaces that interact dynamically with light. My visual language explores three distinct color philosophies: the grounding harmony of rich earthy tones, the vibrant energy of bold primary colors, and the minimalist sophistication of monochrome black and white. Whether exploring pure abstraction or recurring motifs of silent communication, my goal is to project a sophisticated, dynamic energy that transforms modern architectural spaces.