Meet Martin, the ex-Croatian soldier who opened “The Art of Fun” in Zagreb

Martin Lešković (Photo credit: Dejan Tatomir)

At just 23 years old, Martin Lešković has already amassed a rich life experience through his diverse pursuits. 

Hailing from Ivanić Grad but working in the Croatian capital Zagreb, Martin started his journey as a Croatian soldier after completing high school. This experience taught him discipline but also ignited a passion for something more expressive. 

“It was a good experience, but I longed to express myself in a freer way, where there are no rules, where boundaries are erased, and an individual’s imagination is the only limitation,” recounts Martin. 

Recently, he opened “The Art of Fun” in central Zagreb, offering art workshops for those seeking creative expression.

(Photo credit: Dejan Tatomir)

“What my team and I are trying to introduce to people is action painting. It’s a form of art not widely represented in this region due to its unconventional execution. In action painting, there are no forms, no painting rules; the focus is on the person painting and the way they create the artwork. It can involve pouring, splattering, even setting the paint on fire—there are no limits. However, we have workshop leaders to guide you through the process and ensure the workshops are safe,” explains Martin, who discovered this idea through exploring new cultures.

(Photo credit: Dejan Tatomir)

“My great love is traveling and exploring new cultures and traditions. That’s how I connected with the world of colours and individual expression through them. What gave me special inspiration was the art scene in New York, where action painting originated. People who didn’t know how to paint lovers sharing a common kiss felt the need to capture that shared kiss. I liked the idea of painting something invisible, something untouchable yet all around us,” describes the young artist about “The Art of Fun.”

(Photo credit: Dejan Tatomir)

Martin and his team offer two types of workshops. In Fluid Art workshops, participants learn painting techniques, colours, and how colours blend. They add silicone oils to the colours, and after pouring them onto the canvas, the canvas is set on fire, creating fantastic structures and effects as the oil slowly burns. 

The second type is Shoot+Spin, an entirely new way of creating art filled with adrenaline and fun. Balloons are filled with colours of your choice, hung on chains from the studio ceiling, shot with an air gun following safety measures, and the paint then falls on a canvas spinning at high speed, creating an explosion effect.

(Photo credit: Dejan Tatomir)

“The participants’ reactions are fantastic. Everyone is having fun, which is the studio’s goal—getting away from everyday problems and immersing oneself in the world of colours, creation, and good music. That’s why I don’t like to call our workshops workshops; they are artistic experiences, experiences of fun, carefreeness, creation, and childlike playfulness,” explains the versatile young man, who decided to charge a symbolic fee to make this experience accessible to as many people as possible.

“The prices for our workshops are 20 and 25 euros, depending on the technique you want to try. This includes protection for your clothes and shoes, creating a painting with the guidance of our expert leaders, and of course, good fun for all ages. After you create your painting, we dry and coat them with a colour-preserving clear substance to ensure your colours remain vibrant and protect the painting to stay as you created it for years.”

(Photo credit: Dejan Tatomir)

But if you thought that was all from Martin, you’re mistaken. Martin is not just an artist. He is also studying aviation, dedicating part of his time to modelling and often shooting fashion campaigns. He sees fashion as another means of expression, and his love for aviation began in high school when he realised there was nothing more beautiful than taking off from the runway and soaring into the sky. He eagerly anticipates what the future holds, as he wants to share his art beyond Zagreb.

(Photo credit: Dejan Tatomir)

“We already have plans for projects connecting art with children and adults with special needs, developing creative ways for individuals with difficulties to express themselves through colours and painting. I believe the future will be exciting, interesting, and in all the different shades of colours you can imagine. It’s up to you to follow us and support our idea by joining us,” concludes Martin. 

(Photo credit: Dejan Tatomir)

You can follow him on his Instagram and Facebook profiles or visit his website.