Matej Bizovičar: Ray
Novi trg, Ljubljana
23. May–18. June 2022
light object

Formally and in choosing the topic, Matej Bizovičar’s new project is inspired by the image of a memorial or rather a temple, devoted to fallen soldiers from World War I., buried at a cemetery in Štanjel. Expanding on the idea of said memorial, the artist focused on researching the so-called negative or empty space in architecture. According to the author, it is precisely the density of the void that enables the physical world to exist so that we’re actually able to see; it is an implication, which can also be applied to various other social contexts.

Bizovičar’s project, using intertwined tree branches and light, is re-creating a particular space – the three niches among the temple pillars in Štanjel. Replicated niches, transplanted to another space and context, function autonomously; and by using something that used to be a living thing, it stands in sharp (symbolic) contrast to the rigid, classicist stony architecture. The final result is a peculiar negative of the memorial – instead of attempting to achieve something monumental it bets on ephemeral and temporal.

MATEJ BIZOVIČAR (1969, Ljubljana) studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (University of Ljubljana) between 1991 and 1995. He’s been creating in his studio in Metelkova mesto since 1993. He’s contributed to theatre, to Radio Študent and he’s been involved in the Hostel Celica project for more than 20 years. He also works in interior design of private homes and hospitality & tourist businesses. He creates custom unique furniture and is generally dedicated to woodworking. Apart from painting, in the visual arts he’s also involved in sculpture, spatial installations and mosaics; among other works he created an installation Ribogunci, which was invited to the festival Skopje Light Art District and to Vilnius Light Festival.