Vladimir Makuc: A Retrospective

The major retrospective at Galerija Božidar Jakac showcases a comprehensive overview of the artistic endeavour of Vladimir Makuc who is considered to be one of the most iconic visual artists from Slovenia. Even though he was initially acclaimed as a master of printmaking the exhibition presents different developmental phases of his distinctly interdisciplinary practice which also extends to the fields of drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and various hybrid techniques. Makuc has therefore continuously explored and modified the course of his artistic expression.

The exhibition centres on the extensive donation by Vladimir Makuc to the collection of Galerija Božidar Jakac which includes 53 prints from the period 1957-1999 and demonstrates the evolution of his artistic practice in chronological order. Displayed are some rarely seen early works from the 1950s when the artist was still searching for his formal expression and subject matter, recognisable works from his mature creative period that have been inscribed in the local history of art, and his late works, after 2000, when he largely abandoned printmaking. Because of his diversity and creative curiosity Makuc is perceived as one of the most influential and recognisable modern artists in the Slovenian cultural milieu in the second half of the 20th century.

Makuc’s creative journey spanned seven decades and was constantly developing and altering, in accordance with his personal and artistic visions as well as with the zeitgeist. His iconic position within Slovenian cultural history is conditioned with style and iconography of his works, world view, and reconciliation with his own position of being an interpreter of the Mediterranean cultural landscape. The exhibition portrays Makuc as a human being and as an artist of his time and place who was influenced by contemporary currents in society, culture, and art. Despite the fact that he seemingly resorted to intimate and archaic modes of expression, his artistic practice was always closely intertwined with real events from his life, drawing on both with his personal experience and on collective memory.

The exhibition showcases works from the collection of Galerija Božidar Jakac, Goriški muzej, Galerija Antikvitete Novak as well as from Vladimir Makuc’s archive and private collections.

Curator: Miha Colner

Foto: Kaja Selko