Bull at The Middelheim Museum, Antwerp

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Vojin Bakić was a renowned Yugoslav sculptor of Serbian heritage. Born on June 5, 1915, in Bjelovar, he made significant contributions to Croatian contemporary art in the 1950s and 1960s. Bakić was an integral part of the EXAT-51 group and the Nove tendencije movement, creating numerous public sculptures. After 1945, his work shifted towards impressionistic surface treatments. Notable examples from this period include portraits of Ivan Goran Kovačić (1946) and Silvije Strahimir Kranjčević (1948). During the 1950s, Bakić reduced sculpture volumes by employing sharp fractures as edges and later by merging sculptural details. This is evident in works such as Self-portrait (1952) and a sketch for the Marx and Engels Monument (1950-1953). Bakić's subsequent series featured bull sculptures in various dimensions, including Bull (1950, 1956). He further explored organic, associative shapes with Nudes, Torsos and Heads. From 1958 onwards, he focused on open forms, inner spaces, and light reflections. As his career progressed, Bakić became the first local artist to adopt principles of geometric abstraction and study optic effects. By alternating concave and convex surfaces, he created "light shapes" that resonated with constructivist poetics. In Elaborated Surfaces (1960-1964), he crafted strict, consistent units from lined-up elements. Light-bearing Shapes (1963-1964) featured effective structures using modulated mirror units made from stainless steel. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative by MyMiniFactory. Scan the World aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks worldwide for public access at no cost. It's an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items and want to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how. Scanned using photogrammetry, processed with Agisoft PhotoScan.