Safe Harbour

About Safe Harbour

Exploring themes of anarchy, white male anger, and violence at the fore of our socio-political climate in the year 2020, Mitic compellingly captures two young men in a pop-inspired landscape wielding gilded chainsaws and seemingly questioning why nothing is being done. This mirage of violence and expressive figuration within a monumental landscape finds resonance with the work of the post-modern artist Leon Golub who believed that an observable connection to the external world and actual events was essential if art was to have any relevance to the viewer or society. Golub's work often reflected the horrors of war, as well as the uncertainties of the Cold War and Nuclear age, just as Mitic's work now reflects the jarring violence of groups like the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and other disaffected groups.

This painting is based on a real confrontation provoked by chainsaw-wielding "Proud Boys" in Toronto's Cherry Beach Park. Strategically executed bullet holes pierce the canvas creating a tension between creation and destruction and asking the viewer to confront ideas surrounding the normalization and glorification of violence in contemporary culture. In February 2024, Mitic was featured in the article 'The Art of Viktor Mitic' from Nanette's New Life Blog. Read the article

“Mitic, though he chooses not to identify as an activist, seeks to contribute to the sobering discussion of violence as integral in pop culture, and the absurdity of commodifying death and tools of destruction.” Laura Thipphawong, Artist, Writer and Historian

Viktor Mitic is a Canadian-Serbian painter and sculptor who is known for his use of live ammunition in paintings and installations. His bullet-ridden creations have provoked both acclaim and controversy. His school bus riddled with bullet holes was displayed in Washington, a jarring commentary on school shootings seemingly unchecked. Mitic’s works have incited widespread social debate from many sides of the political spectrum and the art world at large. Mitic has been exhibited across Canada and the USA and has published four books. He has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Toronto and is currently residing in the city.