Matija Bobicic
Battle Mallet
2022

About the Item

Folklore, at its core, is a way of making sense of the world around us. Through myths, legends, and traditional stories, we explore our deepest fears and desires, as well as our relationship with nature and the supernatural. The use of Balkan folklore in Matija Bobičić’s work speaks to this tradition, drawing on the region's rich history and mythology to create a new narrative that reflects contemporary concerns. At the same time, the use of sci-fi archetypes and pop-culture references highlights the ongoing evolution of folklore in the modern world. Just as folklore has always drawn on the popular culture of its time, so too does Bobičić’s artwork reflect the influence of contemporary media and technology. Bobičić has also drawn inspiration from the world of Warhammer 40,000, a tabletop game and fictional universe. The Imperium of Man, a powerful human empire in this universe, serves as a metaphor for Western culture’s control and dominance in the Balkans. Drawing on the mythos of Warhammer 40,000, he depicts these characters in a new light, infusing them with the symbolic meanings of animals such as wolves, often featured in Balkan folklore. By weaving together these disparate elements, he tries to create a powerful and thought-provoking work of art that invites viewers to engage with these themes, and to reflect on the complex interplay of history, mythology, and contemporary culture that shapes our world.

Creator:

Matija Bobicic (1987, Slovene)

Creation Year:

2022

Dimensions:

Height: 63 in (160.02 cm)Width: 51 in (129.54 cm)

More Editions & Sizes:

nonePrice: $8,500

Medium:

Acrylic

Movement & Style:

Pop Art