Wednesday 2 July 2008

You certainly won’t have trouble finding Veronika Dimac’s prestigious art exhibition at Australian Catholic University during the Melbourne Days in the Dioceses event.

The bold and bright cocktail of colours mixed on Veronika’s paint palate have emerged onto a series of large and engaging canvasses, which will pleasantly catch the eye of the art novice through to the discerning connoisseur.  The canvases will grace a gallery space at the Fitzroy-based university from 5-13 July.

However, Veronika’s paintings represent much more than sensational colour, sharp imagery and a sophisticated technique – they are collectively hinged on the official 2008 World Youth Day theme:"….you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8)

Each painting is based on a Scripture passage which relates to the works of the Holy Spirit, and captures a unique dimension of God’s love and unity, grounded in the Trinity.
Veronika is a European artist, now residing in Melbourne, who has been painting for more than 30 years.  Veronika maintains that a trademark tendency to fuse powerful and striking colours is derived from her Croatian heritage – and notably the colours weaved into the Croatian costume for her region.   This prestigious artist has exhibited widely in Europe and Australia and continues to draw inspiration, with every stroke of the paint brush, from God as the Master Artist.

The Melbourne-based artist’s last exhibition was held in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, in December. 

Veronika said the forthcoming Days in the Dioceses exhibition has been designed specifically for the young people of Melbourne, Australia and the world, who will be pilgrims during this World Youth Day initiative.

"This exhibition is a gift for young people to feast their eyes with, and to bathe their souls in," Veronika said.  "There is no doubt that an encounter with these paintings will draw youth into a dialogue with their God, who is present in the midst of this bold, dynamic, and creative expression of colour and eternal love."

Veronika produces her artwork under the umbrella of InJoy International. InJoy is run by two friends and colleagues – Veronika Dimac (artist) and Diana Tominac (Director). The Catholic duo share a vision to bring life-giving, joy-filled, Christian artwork to both an Australian audience, and an international stage. 

InJoy International’s mandate is to essentially provide ‘art for the soul’. In more specific terms they seek to:

• To create paintings which are positive and life-giving and convey a message of hope and joy. 
• To produce distinguished paintings which consistently inspire the mind, uplift the emotions and thereby nourish the human soul. 
• To provide artwork which sustains its reputation for excellence from art critics and customers alike.

There will be a unique opportunity to meet the artist, Veronika Dimac, at the Days in the Dioceses Melbourne event. Keep your eyes peeled on the official World Youth Day program or come and visit the team at the gallery space in July.

Details: www.injoyinternational.org.