Art in Slovenia

National Gallery of Slovenia
National Gallery of Slovenia

Orienting oneself in Slovenian culture is a speedy and rewarding process. After visiting just a few art galleries, one can quickly spot the distinctive styles of leading Slovenian artists such as Rihard Jakopič, Jakov Brdar and many others.

The number one Slovenian architect by far is Jože Plečnik (1872 – 1957), an artist of genius who was able to use most of Ljubljana as his three-dimensional canvas. The famous Three Bridges in Ljubljana, the distinctive national and University Library, and many redesigned churches are among his main achievements.

Each year slightly more than half of the population attends at least one theater production. There are dozens of theaters, offering everything from the familiar to the peculiar – from domestic and mainstream classics played by professionals, to amateur productions in villages, to puppet productions for young and old, from classical ballet to avant-garde dance. There are also two professional opera houses, one in Maribor and one in Ljubljana.

Music is another specialty, and if you’re not in the mood for a live show – be it Slovenian rap, heavy metal, chansons, jazz, or old-time rock – you will find something in any corner of Slovenia. In terms of traditional music, Slovenia is strongest in choral music and polka. Polka is unavoidable in the best and worst senses, but regardless of one’s musical taste there’s nothing like a tune by Slavko Avsenik to add atmosphere and zest to a traditional Slovenian party. Ljubljana is home to two fine orchestras – the Slovenian Philharmonic (one of the oldest in Europe) and the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra.

Film and literature hold a special place in Slovenia as an important part of the Slovenian culture and identity. Both – film and literature mark great artistic achievements even though they tend to be less commercially known as in other European countries.

Slovenia’s rising contemporary design scene has attracted international interest with established names in the world design scene, such as Oskar Kogoj, Nika Zupanc, Lara Bohinc, Urška and Tomaž Draž, Robert Lešnik and many others.

While in Ljubljana, a must-visit is the Autonomous Cultural Centre Metelkova Mesto (AKC Metelkova mesto, AKC Metelkova or just Metelkova – also Meta, Metka, or Metla in a local slang) is an umbrella term for one of the liveliest cultural, artistic, social and intellectual urban areas in Ljubljana that goes among the largest agglomeration of alternative and underground cultures in the whole Europe.

Arts and crafts are the country’s signature feature. The Rokodelstvo Art & Craft certificate marks the highest-quality products typically sold as tourist souvenirs. Nowadays, the Slovenian art is diverse, based on tradition, reflect the influence of neighbour nations and is intertwined with modern global movements.

Imagine your next special event at the Ljubljana Opera House, or in an art museum, or perhaps in an outstanding open-air theatre. Slovenia is diverse also in terms of selected choice of special venues that will give your event one-of-a-kind touch.

Stay tuned for more I Feel 25 stories!

 

[Partial sources: J. Blake – Culture Smart!, culture.si]