Mladen Kunstic, born in 1955 in Zagreb, Croatia, has devoted his life to the pursuit of art, weaving together themes of beauty, spirituality, and the pressing realities of the human condition. His early years were marked by a significant transition when he moved to Germany at the age of ten. This relocation introduced him to a new culture and religious education, profoundly shaping his artistic vision and personal beliefs. From the tender age of three, Mladen demonstrated a remarkable talent for drawing and painting, a passion that persisted even as he faced numerous life challenges.
As a young man, Mladen’s life took a dramatic turn when he had to leave school at the age of 13 to support his family due to his father’s illness. This early responsibility led him on a winding path through vocational training, evening school, and ultimately, a formal education in art and social sciences. By the age of 26, he had established a large studio space of 500 square meters, where he began to create not only paintings but also sculptures. This period marked the beginning of his exploration into the theme of transience in art, which would become a cornerstone of his work.
In 2005, Mladen faced a life-altering crisis characterized by burnout and the emergence of bipolar disorder. During this tumultuous time, he sought solace in his faith, leading to a transformative experience at the Aachen Cathedral. This encounter inspired him to embark on an ambitious project titled “173 Cathedral Variations,” a series that reflects his evolving relationship with spirituality and artistic expression. Through this work, Mladen sought to capture the essence of cathedrals as symbols of faith, resilience, and the passage of time.
After more than twelve challenging years during which he struggled to work artistically, Mladen experienced what he describes as a miracle: the grace to paint again in 2024. At nearly 70 years old, he feels rejuvenated, filled with new energy and spiritual freshness that he had not felt so intensely in his previous life. He expresses this revival with the declaration, “I live again… Kunstic is back.” This newfound ability to create art marks a significant turning point in his life, especially after enduring almost thirteen years without music, which had exacerbated his illness and deepened his solitude.
Mladen’s artistic exploration is deeply intertwined with his concerns about the environment and the interconnectedness of all life. He has long been aware of the warnings regarding climate change, having encountered discussions about its potential impact as early as the 1970s. The catastrophic fire at Notre Dame on April 15, 2019, served as a pivotal moment for Mladen, reinforcing his belief that humanity is at a critical juncture. He perceives this event not merely as a tragedy but as a prophetic symbol of the urgent need for awareness and action regarding climate change.
Despite facing significant health challenges, including severe diabetes and painful neuropathy, Mladen experienced a profound personal transformation in 2023. He underwent a radical shift in his lifestyle, shedding physical and emotional burdens and embracing a more positive outlook on life. This catharsis reignited his passion for painting, allowing him to express the complex emotions surrounding the climate crisis through vibrant colors and dynamic compositions.
Mladen views his art as a means to convey the beauty and hopelessness that coexist in the face of environmental degradation. He states, “Art without reference to emotions, to reality and history is like a heart without blood.” This powerful declaration encapsulates his mission as an artist: to engage viewers in a meaningful dialogue about the state of the planet and the necessity for collective action to address the climate crisis.
Through his work, Mladen Kunstic invites audiences to reflect on the beauty of the world while acknowledging the urgent challenges we face. His art serves as a call to action, urging individuals to recognize their role in the preservation of the environment and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
In his project “173 Cathedrals for the World,” Mladen grapples with the complexities of faith and the historical implications of religious institutions. He asserts that every faith is valid if it aligns with democratic human rights. His mystical experience in Aachen Cathedral led him to explore cathedrals as sacred spaces, where individuals have poured their hopes, fears, and faith. Mladen challenges the notion of being labeled a “vassal” of the Catholic Church, emphasizing his independence as an artist and thinker. He critiques the historical narratives shaped by religious figures, advocating for a more enlightened understanding of faith that transcends dogma.
Mladen reflects on the profound message of love conveyed through Jesus Christ, stating, “I Yahweh, your God, love you.” He emphasizes that an artist’s work is a continuous evolution, marked by the rejection and acceptance of new ideas and philosophies. His art project is intentionally designed as a “Work in Progress,” allowing for an open-ended exploration of themes that connect history, spirituality, and the human experience.
He notes that the architecture of cathedrals serves as a powerful expression of human vanity and cultural identity, representing a visible history that shapes our collective consciousness. Through his travels across Europe, Mladen has recognized the architectural similarities that bind cultures together, leading him to include cathedrals from various countries in his paintings. He believes that understanding the spirit of these sacred spaces requires a deep engagement with historical, social, and religious contexts.
Mladen’s artistic practice incorporates collage elements that reflect reality, using book pages and photographs to create a rich tapestry of meaning in his work. He aims to express complex human emotions such as tragedy, hope, and love through vibrant colors and clear lines, viewing color as an essential element of life and expression. He describes the line as a calligraphy that connects all beings, representing the beginning of life and the infinite journey of existence.
Central to Mladen’s philosophy is the concept of freedom, which he sees as fundamental to human dignity and self-determination. He advocates for the separation of state and religion, emphasizing the importance of this principle in fostering a just society. Mladen envisions a future where the cathedrals of various faiths, including Islam and Buddhism, are represented in his work, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and understanding.
The theme of cathedrals as sacred spaces raises profound questions about God, hope, and the meaning of life, particularly in a world where many feel marginalized and unheard. Mladen believes that by embracing their faith or non-belief, individuals can find new pathways to shape their lives and contribute to a more compassionate world. He asserts that there is only one God, a universal presence that transcends denominations and unites humanity.
Mladen concludes with a vision of home—a place filled with love, free from guilt and condemnation, rooted in the belief that God loves democracy and advocates for a united Europe. He expresses a deep conviction that each person is a cathedral, a sacred space that reflects our shared humanity. Through collective action and will, we can create a sacred space that resonates with positivity and hope.Those who no longer have visions are like a bird without a voice; Mladen’s paintings are his voice, conveying his thoughts and emotions to the world.
In the future, he aims to compile 173 paintings of cathedrals from around the globe into a catalogue and exhibit them as a traveling exhibition. The significance of the number 173 lies in its representation of unity, freedom, and the infinite possibilities of existence. The number 1 symbolizes the unity of humanity, while 7 represents the day of rest and contemplation, and 3 embodies the ideals of freedom, equality, and fraternity. Together, these numbers reflect Mladen’s vision of a harmonious world, where the elements of life—water, fire, earth, and air—are celebrated and embraced.
For more information about Mladen Kunstic and his artistic endeavors, please visit his website at www.mladenkunstic.de or follow him on social media: Instagram @kunst_kunstic and Facebook Mladen Kunstic.
Photo credits: The photographs are from the artist’s archive.
*The whole title of the 3rd painting in the first line: “Angry – Why still paint…- 2025 …A special fund (special debt) for the military and infrastructure of 500,000,000,000 euros each in Germany (one trillion euros = a thousand billion)… Where is the special fund to combat the climate catastrophe…What STUPID and irresponsible politicians…may their children and grandchildren curse them…”