My Story
I live in reality, but I also seek other worlds.
For me, painting is one way to discover these worlds.
I paint under the stage name MonArp, which is the first letters of my first and last name. I live and paint in Slovakia. My journey to painting began quite inconspicuously - with a paint-by-numbers set that I bought at the end of 2020. When the painting was finished, I had a few jars of acrylic paints left. I felt sorry to throw them away, so I took an old cardboard and spontaneously painted my first winter landscape on it. That moment of pure joy revived my childhood dream of painting in me years later. I have no formal art education, so I paint as I feel it at the moment. I draw inspiration from nature, the rhythm of music, and everyday moments.
In my work, the desire for freedom and the dissolution of color often meets the need for detail and a more solid realistic shape. It is in this tension that my paintings are created.
Watercolor dominates my current work. Through its lightness and unpredictability, I explore the world of emotions. My portraits are not classic studies of the face. I look for what is beneath the surface: inner experience, hidden tension and the brevity of the moment. I often focus on a woman and her confrontation with her own mind.
Landscape painting is my reboot and source of strength. When I paint a landscape, I don't just stand in front of the canvas - I become part of the painted world. With every stroke of the brush, I am right there, in the middle of the nature I am painting.
My goal is not to overwhelm the viewer with dramatic effects or complicated composition. I am much more interested in finding harmony.
Instead of an outward likeness, I paint the story unfolding within a person. My works are an invitation to slow down, to listen to one's own silence, and to perceive the nuances of being that often remain unspoken.
For me, portraits are a journey into a person's inner world, while landscapes are a place where I find peace and energy for further creation.
Yet, my creative curiosity constantly drives me to explore new forms of expression, leading me to occasionally expand my palette with oil painting or dry pastels. Each of these techniques opens a different door to capturing the world around us - and within us.
Where to See My Artwork
EXHIBITIONS
Art Without Borders
3 October 2026 —
24 October 2026, Nitra Synagogue, Slovakia
A joint exhibition featuring amateur artists from the 14th annual ARTЯA international symposium and artists from the Kroměříž Association of Friends of Fine Art, held at the Nitra Synagogue.
Alternatives
12 July —
30 August 2026, Gallery in the Tower, Hunting Manor House, Lesná 700/2, Palárikovo, Slovakia
Alternatives presents a selection of works created by participants of the 14th International ARTRA Art Symposium. Curated by Ján Kurinec and Peter Pauko.
Reflections | Rise Within and Discover the Reflections of Your Inner Self
1 June —
30 June 2026, Karol Kmeťko Regional Library in Nitra, Fraňa Mojtu 18, Nitra, Slovakia
Reflections | Rise Within and Discover the Reflections of Your Inner Self is a solo exhibition exploring themes of self-discovery, inner reflection, and personal growth. Curated
by PaedDr. Eva Lehoťáková, PhD.
Photo >>
COMPETITION
Region Art 2026
I participated in the "Region Art" regional competition for amateur visual art in Nitra, where the expert jury awarded me an Honorable Mention.
2021 | PUBLICATIONS
Some of my works were selected for thematic publications by American author Shan Peck, which showcase contemporary non-professional art by creators from various countries.
Available at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B014CFNC0I
24. 10. 2021 — Shan Peck: Fine Art Paintings
My oil painting "Garages" was featured on the back cover of this edition. The publication also includes my works: "At the End of the Day", "Van Gogh's Color Palette", and "Burdock Bay".
Featuring my acrylic portrait "Lagertha".
22. 09. 2021 — Shan Peck: Architecture in Art
Published paintings: "Nitra in 1920", "With Courage", and "On the Corner of Kluch Palace in Nitra".