We are excited to unveil our new poster featuring Tito and Jovanka on the Croatian island of Vanga, created in collaboration with the talented artist Nina Mršnik.
Nina's impressive background includes studying industrial design at IUAV University in Venice, visual communication in Aveiro, Portugal, and product design at the Royal College of Art in London. She co-founded Kobeiagi Kilims, a brand known for Bosnian kilims, and Toasted, a brand famous for its unique furniture made from baked plastic.
The latest addition to our poster collection: Tito and Jovanka illustration by Nina Mršnik. Order poster
Nina's distinctive portraits of notable figures such as philosopher Slavoj Žižek, Pope Francis, former Yugoslav leader Tito, and inventor Nikola Tesla have gained widespread recognition for their unique character and humor. Her sharp wit captures the essence of each individual in a one-of-a-kind way.
Portrait of Tito by Nina Mršnik, Photo: Made in Yugoslavia
Interview with Nina Mršnik, Author of the Tito and Jovanka Poster
Photo of Nina Mršnik by Ada Hamza
Hello Nina, we're absolutely thrilled to have you as the first artist we’re collaborating with. First, can you tell us where you found the inspiration for your illustration of Tito and Jovanka?
When you invited me to collaborate on illustrating Tito and Jovanka, I immediately agreed and wondered why I hadn't drawn Jovanka before. The inspiration for the illustration came from the book "Their days" by Ivo Eterović.
Nina drew inspiration for the Tito and Jovanka illustration from the book "Their Days" by Ivo Eterović.
Why did you choose the specific photograph of Tito and Jovanka on the pier on Vanga Island?
Brijuni are very dear to me—firstly, because they are a paradise on earth close to us, and secondly, because of the memories my father shared about visiting there with my grandfather during Tito's time. I haven't been to Vanga Island yet.
The inspiration for the illustration was photo of Tito and Jovanka on a pier at their summer residence on Vanga Island.
Can you describe your process of creating portraits?
My favorite process is analog—sketching with a pencil, followed by brushes and acrylics. For Tito and Jovanka, I started this way but drew and painted each element separately. This allowed me more control over the composition and colors when I made a collage of all the elements in Photoshop.
Tito and Jovanka poster by Nina Mršnik
Many people know you for your portraits, but you work on various projects. Which project currently occupies most of your time?
Currently, and likely for the rest of the year, I will be working primarily on Toasted, a project with Nuša Jelenec. We bake waste plastic into sheets from which we make products. I love having various projects because I get tired of looking at plastic at some point and want to draw or sell a kilim, and then switch back again.
Toasted furniture, photo by Ada Hamza
As we know, Tito has had a unique presence in your life since childhood. Can you tell us more about that?
My family viewed the whole Tito era 100% positively, and there were never any debates to the contrary. In elementary school, I discovered that Tito had died before I was born and couldn't believe it. My grandmother, the ultimate Tito fan, had pictures of Tito and my grandfather (who died when I was born) everywhere, and I didn't know who was who. My grandfather was one of Tito's guards, which connected us to Tito. It's funny that I talk in the plural, but I do feel connected to him.
Photo of Tito and Jovanka by Ivo Eterović
What is your favorite memory of growing up in Yugoslavia?
Hmm... I'm not sure if I can answer that. The Tito-era Yugoslavia wasn't really present anymore—except at my grandmother's house. The coast, where I'm from, was culturally more connected to Italy than Yugoslavia for a small child. We only watched Italian TV and drew all our themes from there. But yes, growing up at my grandmother's, my memories include her and her friends, chocolate liqueur, Tito, Zdenka cheese, roller skates, ice cream from a ball, and Kinder eggs from Italy.
Did you know?
You can select any 3 posters of your choice and receive a 30% discount on each one. Check it out!