Croatian painter Željko Kipke graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb in 1976 in Ljuba Ivančić's class. He was an associate of the Master Workshop of Ljubo Ivančić and Nikola Reiser (1976–80). At first he painted in the spirit of primary and analytical painting, then he turned to postmodern surrealism, painting ludic compositions (symbolic references to the avant-garde of the 20th century, textual messages, elements of rebus). He is one of the most intriguing Croatian postmodern artists. He calls himself a painter of the new era, claiming that he is simultaneously a decorator and a typewriter, an architect and an anti-architect. Kipke's painting does not grow out of purely artistic motives. It is the painting of symbolic meanings beyond the presented (J. Denegri). His painting oeuvre ranges from primary and analytical painting to expressive painting and postmodern surrealism with references to film, the avant-garde, hermetic symbols, signs, riddles and works by other authors. He publishes theoretical texts and reviews about fine art and film, as well as about his own work (Gudie through subterraneus, 1992). He also writes prose (Beware of imitation, 1993). He creates experimental films.