Bio

Bernard Simunovic

Bernard Simunovic (b. 1974) is a Croatian artist and designer who lives and works between Germany and Croatia.

His artistic practice is defined by reduction, clarity, and a disciplined use of line. In his ongoing series, "Relational Lines," Simunovic explores connection, proximity, and presence through minimalist linear compositions. What appears simple at first glance reveals a multifaceted spatial and emotional complexity upon closer inspection.

A black or subtly colored contour serves as the unifying element throughout his oeuvre—bridging figures, space, and horizon. The line acts almost as a "lifeline" (Lebensfaden): it does not narrate; rather, it structures relationships. Instead of illustrating stories, the works distill the inherent tension between connections, the interstitial space between distance and proximity, encounter and silence.

Through deliberate reduction, Simunovic creates a vacuum for interpretation. By stripping away superfluous detail, the essence remains: presence, relationship, and a profound sense of being.

Simunovic began his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo before continuing his education in Germany, graduating from the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences in 1999. He has since worked as a freelance artist and designer, founding his own  art design studio in 2004.

 

His work has been exhibited internationally across Europe, the United States, and Asia, and is held in numerous private and institutional collections.