I met Ivo at his studio north of Plac Hallera in Praga. Stepping into his storefront turned creative space, I couldn’t help but notice a dramatic monument across the street that caught my eye. Ivo explained it’s a monument for prisoners who died in Prague after the war, noting the odd choice of font on the plaque resembling the Reksio cartoon from the 60s. This attention to detail on city streets is part of a language Ivo uses in his work.

Our conversation shifted to Warsaw and his favorite neighborhood spots like the quirky interiors of the Nepal restaurant on Plac Hallera and Serso for tastefully loaded bagels. He shared memories of moving from former Yugoslavia at 12 years old, recalling how his friends used to collect colorful cans of popular soda companies after the transformation, now inspirations in his artwork.

Ivo’s project called “Hideout,” showcased at the Autostrada Biennale last year in Prizren, where he grew up, involves creating a hideout of plastic industrial crates from Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Enlarged in scale, he allows adults to enter the structure and play games that turn discarded objects into useful toys.

It’s the idea of playing games that resonates with the aesthetic of Nikić’s work. Instead of being hurt or insulted when a person says they can replicate his work, Ivo invented a magnetic canvas with shapes and forms, which he considers letters of his language of creation for people to make art themselves. Watching Ivo play around with the canvas he reminded me of Picasso’s quote, “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child” and I can for sure see that anyone who said such a thing, could never come up with results he does almost effortlessly.

His work is vibrant, balanced, and abstractly playful, reminiscent of scrutinizing street objects that appeal to a sophisticated sense of aesthetics.

His preference for spray paint cans over airbrushes adds an element of fascination and unpredictability. Going back to his chat about his influences in the 90s Warsaw skateboarding scene and spray paint graffiti, Ivo’s style feels retro yet fresh, popping and catching your eye, evoking feelings of happiness and lightness.

To see Ivo’s work, he isn’t represented by one gallery in Warsaw but appears in shows often. Stay updated through his social media and arrange a studio visit. Remember, support living artists— the deceased ones don’t need the money.

Check out Ivo’s work here

instagram.com/ivonikic