An exhibition of paintings by Gradišće Croat Monika Trimmel Roženić opened at the Croatian Heritage Foundation (CHF) this Thursday, 20 September 2012.
Speaking at the opening along with the artist were CHF director Marin Knezović and Stipe Mlikotić, the parish priest in Mali Borištof/Kleinwarasdorf (Gradišće/Burgenland, Austria) who spoke about the artist. Also on hand was Georg Christian Lak, director of the Austrian Culture Forum and the envoy of the Austrian Embassy in Zagreb who greeted the gathered and declared this impressive exhibition open.
The opening of the exhibition was led by Marija Hećimović, head of the CHF department for Croatian national minorities.
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Among the guests were Ivica Lovrić, head of the City of Zagreb office for education, culture and sports, Mišo Munivrana, secretary of the Parliamentary Committee on Croats outside the Republic of Croatia and representatives of ministries and of the State Office for Croatians Abroad.
“I am happy to see you here at our premises, which is a work of art of sorts in its own right. I spoke with our painter and observed her readiness to link various styles and orientations, and her courageous approach to painting. It is also the mission of the CHF to link things at first glance disparate, such as Croatians from different cultures, who develop in different ways, but who share a common sentiment and common guiding principles. I extend my cordial greetings to you and to our friend and painter, who has chosen to exhibit her work here,” said the CHF director in his speech, noting that he was a great fan of the arts.
The opening ceremony closed with some words from the artist who presented director Marin Knezović with a gift to the CHF in memory of this visit: her impressive painting entitled Stara majka (Old Mother). The artist began learning aquarelle painting under Sister Elfriede Ettl at the teacher’s academy of the Terezianum in Željezno/Eisenstadt, and later regularly attended courses on drawing acts while in Vienna. It was only recently that this former teacher began painting in acrylic and more intense work on abstract painting on canvas.
To date Monika Trimmel Roženić has exhibited in Gradišće, Vienna, Varaždin, Požega, Budapest and Zagreb.
Text by: Željka Lešić; Photos by: Hrvoje Salopek