"Smile" Sculpture

Nebojsa Surlan is a visual artist whose creative journey spans sculpture, drawing, and painting. Although his passion for the arts was sparked early on through classical literature, his path took a unique turn when he graduated from the Faculty of Technology at the University of Novi Sad in 2009 with an M.Sc. in Technology. A few years later, while working on a home renovation project, he discovered the sculptural potential of window putty. This tactile encounter marked the beginning of his practice as a sculptor, which naturally expanded into drawing four years later.
For over a decade, his work has centered around the human figure and portraiture. He has developed a distinctive drawing technique that involves applying multiple thin layers of color and meticulously blending the upper layers with soft materials. This method infuses his pieces with a heightened sense of three-dimensionality and a striking, realistic appearance. His gradual evolution into acrylic painting has allowed him to introduce fresh visual elements into his art, further expanding the scope of his creative expression.
Surlan’s portraits capture a wide emotional spectrum, finding inspiration both in the familiar faces of his family members and the diverse individuals he encounters in everyday life and photographs.