On each large size canvas I spend two or three months, slowly building up layer upon layer of paint, creating the feeling of inner light, space, harmony and balance. My paintings are abstract, although I base colours and shapes on personal observations and feelings. Inspiration comes from colours in nature and reflection of light. With bright colours and brush strokes I express myself and my feelings, hoping that my work will evoke emotions in the viewer.
Silva Kvasina was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1953. She graduated from Academy of Visual Arts in Sarajevo. Her exhibition activities were recognised by a number of significant awards before her professional career was interrupted by war. In 1992 she moved with her family to Croatia. In Croatia she exhibited her art together with national and international group and also staged solo exhibitions. In 1998 Silva migrated to Australia and continued her career in painting in Adelaide. She completed a Visual Arts Honours degree at the University of South Australia and has exhibited her artwork in various venues.
Education
2000 Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours)
University of South Australia
1989 - 1991 Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts (Painting)
Academy of Fine Arts, University of Sarajevo
1989 - 1991 Art Certificate: Visual Arts Teacher
Academy of Fine Arts, University of Sarajevo
1985 -1989 Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts)
Academy of Fine Arts, University of Sarajevo
Employment
1992 - 1998 Curator
Istrian National Theatre, Pula, Croatia
1995 - 1996 Art Therapist
Community Age Care Center, Pula, Croatia
1975 - 1989 Administrator
Department of Finance, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Collections
Onkaparinga Council, SA
Franciscan Monastery, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Parliament House, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatian Children Embassy, Osijek, Croatia
City of Vukovar Museum, Croatia
City of Ilok Museum, Croatia
Solo Exhibitions
1997 Gallery Vincent od Kastva, Pula, Croatia
1983 Gallery Pescara, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1982 Gallery Djuro Djakovic, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1981 Community Center Rajlovac, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Selected Group Exhibitions
1981 Community Center ‘llidja’, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1982 Gallery ‘Duro Dakovic’, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1983 Gallery in Yugoslavian National Army Center, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1990 23rd Winter Saloon, Herceg Novi, Monte Negro
XVII. Exhibition of Yugoslavian Academies of Art, Pristina, Kosovo
Gallery ‘Austrian House’, Exhibition of Yugoslavian Academies of Art, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1990 to 1992 Yearly exhibition of Art Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Collegium Artisticum, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1990 45 Years of Art Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Collegium Artisticum, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1993 to1995 Gallery ‘Vincent od Kastva’, Yearly exhibition of Art Association of Croatia, Pula, Croatia
1994 Gallery ‘Civica’, Putevi Mira, Padova, Italy
Art Pavilion ‘Juraj Sporer’, Memento Dvadesetdvojice, Opatija, Croatia
Gallery ‘Vincent od Kastva’, Muzej Vulovara u progonstvu, Pula, Croatia
1996 Gallery ‘Klovicevi dvori’, Memento 95, Zagreb, Croatia
City of Umag Museum, Donation of Art work for the city of Ilok, Umag, Croatia
Gallery ‘Vincent od Kastva’, Donation of Art work for the city of Ilok, Pula, Croatia
City of Labin Museum, Donation of Art work for the city of Ilok, Labin, Croatia
1997 Gallery ‘Vincent od Kastva’, 10 years of Art Association of Croatia, Pula, Croatia
1998 Renaissance Center, Adelaide, SA
1998 to 2003 Nexus Gallery, Nexus Members exhibition, Adelaide, SA
1999 Red House Gallery, Adelaide, SA
1999 Red House Gallery, Marion Council, SA
2001-2002 Gallery M, Marion Council, SA
2009 Noarlunga Arts Center, SA
Awards
1990 First prize in the painting category, Herceg Novi, Monte Negro
1990 Colegium Artisticum 90, First prize in the painting category, Art Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1991 Colegium Artisticum 91, First prize in the painting category, Art Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1997 Grisia 97 Award, City of Rovinj Museum, Croatia
1999 Red House Gallery, Marion Council, SA
