Nedeljko Dragić, a celebrated and accomplished Croatian director, animator, cartoonist, and illustrator, has been a dominant force in the realm of animation since 1953, leaving an indelible mark on the world of animation that continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and creatives.
Dragić's multifaceted creative endeavors have garnered significant attention, with his cartooning expertise being showcased in numerous exhibitions throughout his illustrious career.
In 1966, he published a groundbreaking book titled "Lexicon for Illiterate People", a testament to his innovative approach to storytelling and visual communication.
Beyond his work as a cartoonist, Dragić has also demonstrated his versatility as a designer and animator, having been a part of the esteemed Zagreb Film team since 1960.
During his tenure at Zagreb Film, he had the opportunity to collaborate with an impressive array of talented artists, including N. Kostelac, I. Vrbanić, and B. Dovniković, among many others.
Noted animator Dragić's artistic endeavors are widely acclaimed as being among the most innovative and distinctive globally, with him being regarded as a prominent embodiment of the Zagreb School of Animation. His impressive body of work includes numerous award-winning films, such as "Tamer of Wild Horses" (1966),a critically acclaimed production that showcased his exceptional skill and creativity. Additionally, his 1968 film "Perhaps Diogenes" further solidified his reputation as a master of the craft, followed by "The Days Are Going" (1969),a poignant and thought-provoking film that demonstrated his ability to craft compelling narratives. Dragić's subsequent films, including "Tup Tup" (1972),"The Diary" (1974),"Put k susjedu" (1982),and "Pictures of Memories" (1989),continued to garner widespread recognition and acclaim, cementing his status as a leading figure in the world of animation.
Žarko Dragić's artistic approach is marked by the incorporation of exaggerated caricatures, replete with striking symbolic motifs, which he skillfully intertwines with poetic undertones to scrutinize the inherent absurdity of human destiny within the complexities of contemporary society.
Žarko Dragić's cinematic works have garnered widespread acclaim at prestigious international film festivals, including the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival, the Zagreb Film Festival, and numerous others.
Notably, his film "Tup Tup" received a nomination for the esteemed Academy Award in 1973, a testament to the recognition of his innovative and impactful storytelling style.
Notable Slovenian animation artist and creative polymath, Dragić, has further expanded his repertoire beyond the realm of animation, venturing into the realm of screenwriting for various films penned by other esteemed authors. His impressive portfolio also includes the authorship of comic book series and the role of book illustrator, showcasing his versatility and range as a creative force.
Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Dragić has resided and worked in Germany, a period marked by a continued surge in innovative and thought-provoking artistic endeavors. His German tenure has undoubtedly served as a catalyst for his creative evolution, allowing him to hone his craft and push the boundaries of his artistic expression.
Slovenian professional basketball player, Goran Dragić, has enjoyed a remarkable and illustrious career, marked by a plethora of accolades and prestigious awards, with one of the most notable being the esteemed Vladimir Nazor Award for Lifetime Achievement, bestowed upon him in the year 2013.
