Ivan Lacković Croata (January 1, 1932 – August 29, 2004) was a Croatian naive painter hailing from the village of Batinske near Kalinovac. Despite a humble upbringing, Lacković displayed an innate artistic talent, crafting his first watercolors depicting rural life in 1944 and producing his initial drawings in 1952. Relocating to Kloštar Podravski in 1954, Lacković honed his craft, transitioning to oil painting during his three-year sojourn. A move to Zagreb followed, where he balanced work as a mailman and post office employee while occasionally collaborating with the esteemed Krsto Hegedušić. A breakthrough came with his 1964 solo exhibition at the HAZU Cabinet of Graphics, solidifying his reputation as an accomplished draftsman, eventually leading him to become a professional painter in 1968. Lacković's art predominantly captured the poetic allure of his native Podravina, often employing tempera and oil on glass, a technique favored by northern Croatian naive artists. While his early works celebrated intricate winter scenes, his style evolved in the 1970s, embracing allegory, symbolism, and the surreal. His compositions ranged from landscapes and still life to florals, while his illustrated books showcased his artistic diversity. The legacy of Lacković's work is far-reaching, boasting over a hundred exhibitions across the globe, including cities like Cologne, Zurich, Paris, and Tokyo. Museums worldwide, such as the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art and the Museo Civico di Belle Arti, proudly exhibit his pieces. Beyond art, Lacković played a role in Croatian politics, co-founding the Croatian Democratic Union and serving as a member of the County Chamber of the Croatian Parliament. In the 1990s, he channeled his creative energy into depicting the human suffering during the Croatian War of Independence. He passed away in Zagreb in 2004, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and an enduring impact on both the art world and his homeland.

Ivan Lacković Croata - Wikipedia