DMC

About

Drago Marin Cherina is a Croatian sculptor born in 1949 with a diverse and international career. Here’s a brief overview of his life and work based on the information provided:

Life and Career

Birth and Early Life: Drago Marin Cherina was born in Osijek, Croatia. Education and Early Career: He moved to England where he worked as an assistant to the renowned sculptor Henry Moore. Migration to Australia: Cherina moved to Australia in 1974 to create a bust of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. He enjoyed his time in Australia so much that he arranged his naturalization there. Current Residence: Cherina currently lives in Taiwan.

Notable Works

The Mathy: A bronze statuette awarded to the winner of the IFAC Australian Singing Competition. Bust of Alexander Solzhenitsyn: Located at the National Library of Australia. Jacqueline du Pré Sculpture: Installed at Kensington Park Community Centre in Sydney. Mahatma Gandhi Bust: Located in Shanghai’s New Town Central Park. Henry Moore Artwork: A six-meter high, six-tonne abstract piece in Banjo Paterson Bush Park, Yeoval, New South Wales.

Auction History and Recent Works

Study of a Young Girl: Several versions of this bronze sculpture have been auctioned. Signed Bronze Sculptures: Includes a signed bronze sculpture of a hand and other works such as “Ballerina” and “Nude.” Picasso Study Series: Mixed media artworks including “Picasso Study XXII” and “Picasso Study XXVI.” Crucified Christ Print: Offset print of the Crucified Christ.

Cherina’s work spans a range of subjects and styles, from abstract and figurative sculptures to mixed media and prints. His contributions to public and private collections reflect his significant impact on the art world.

Background:

  • Date of Birth: August 15, 1949
  • Honorary Citizen: Croatia and Australia
  • Moved to Australia: 1975
  • Married: Wife: Senica Ana Cherina
  • Children: Two sons, Igor (born 1976) and Marin (born 1980)

Academic Background:

  • University: Belgrade and London University
  • Mentored by: Oscar Nemon and Henry Moore’s assistant
  • Invited Speaker: Various universities, colleges, and societies worldwide.

Nationality Representation: Represented Croatia and Australia in international art exhibitions and conceptual architectural projects.

Fields of Expertise: Sculptor, conceptual architect, painter, and tapestry designer (French Aubusson). Known internationally and recommended by notable figures such as Henry Moore, Oscar Nemon, Miró, Dalí, Picasso, Rothko, Ebert, Fellini, and others.

Artistic Background:

  • International Exhibitions: Over one hundred countries, in cities like Rome, Geneva, Paris, London, Lisbon, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Manila, Port Moresby, Perth, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Auckland, Osaka, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei and others.
  • Awards and Competitions: Refer to the encyclopedic entries.
  • Major Works: Large sculptures in public spaces, museums, and national libraries in various cities worldwide.

Major Portrait Works Timeline:

  • 1963 – 1970: Studied art in Italy, Yugoslavia, Sweden, France, and the UK, specializing in sculpture under mentors such as Sylwan, Blasco, and Professor Oscar Nemon.
  • 1970 – 1967: Traveled across Europe, Africa, America, South America, Asia, Middle East and elsewhere.
  • 1973: Created a bust of Jack O’Hara in London; created a bust of Picasso in Geneva; created a bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Texas, USA as many others.
  • 1974: Created a bust of Solzhenitsyn in Zurich, Switzerland; created a bust of Kissinger in Washington, D.C., USA; created a bust of Dalí in New York, USA.
  • 1975: Created a bust of Australian Prime Minister Whitlam in Canberra; created a bust of President Marcos in Manila, Philippines; created a bust of Fellini in Rome, Italy.
  • 1976: Created a bust of Dr. Brronte Douglas in Sydney, Australia; created a bust of Dr. Franco Bellgiono Nettis in Florence, Italy; created a bust of Dona Klarich in Paris, France; created a bust of Warren Lee in Sydney, Australia; created a half-length portrait of Sigmund Lans and Benjamin Ebert in Sydney, Australia.
  • 1976: Created a full-length statue of Marie Curie in Paris, France; created a bust of President Tito in Belgrade, Yugoslavia; created a bust of the Shah of Iran in Tehran, Iran.

Profession:

  • Sculptor, painter, graphic artist, tapestry designer.

Awards and Competitions:

  • 1974: World Portrait Sculpture First Prize for the bust of Solzhenitsyn in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • 1974: Academy Award for the bust of Jack O’Hara in London.
  • 1974: Second Place in the World Tapestry Design Competition in Aubusson, France.
  • 1975: First Prize in the American Contemporary Granite Memorial Sculpture Competition in Houston, USA.
  • 1975: First Prize in the Newton Peace Award in Sydney, Australia.
  • 1975: First Prize in the Contemporary Memorial Sculpture Competition organized by the capital city council in Sydney, Australia.

Artistic Associations:

  • 1972: Member of the Sculptors Society.
  • 1972: Royal Academy of Arts, London.
  • 1973: Contemporary Art Society, London.
  • 1974: Contemporary Art Museum Society, Houston, Texas, USA.

Others about Cherina

International Fine Art Critic

In the early years of the twentieth century, my father was already a banker and an art collector and connoisseur. Therefore, since I was very young I had the opportunity to access various art items, and enjoying fine art has become my lifelong hobby. Starting in the 1970s and up to now, I have traveled around the world more than five times, visiting museums and art galleries in Paris, London, New York, Rome, and other metropolitans, indulging myself in the beauty of fine arts. But one experience stands out! That is my encounter with the bearded sculptor Drago Marin Cherina in Shanghai… Read More

Professor James Chao
Shanghai Normal University
December 2008