Between Idrija and Vienna

St Barbara Gallery, under Mestni trg
Exhibition opening: 13 June at 6:45 PM
Guided tour: 14 and 15 June at 1 PM
Free entrance

The exhibited work is a spontaneous result of the Idrija Lace School experimental group’s excursion to Vienna in the framework of a European Erasmus+ project in 2024.

Inspired by architecture, art, and craft, as well as their experience, the lacemakers’ thoughts and ideas were aided by mentors to find their place first on paper and then in lace. A special impression in the imagination of everyone was made by the Vienna artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and his style in architecture and painting.

When motifs from Idrija and the region are combined with the inspiration of his style, we get artworks that unite rich forms with strong colours and playful lines. The fundamental coloured surfaces bleed into lace details, creating a carefully studied subtle variety of textures that capture our eye as it travels across the lacework.

Nature, architecture, captured moments and memories pour into unique (from lacemaking perspective, even avantgarde) works: contemporary yet delicately interwoven with heritage.

Authors/Lacemakers: Irena Laharnar, Mira Guzelj, Andra Jereb, Marija Novak Boškovič, Magda Ferlat, Marta Simnovčič, Milena Kalan Frančeškin, Liljana Kogovšek, Draga Sedej.

Mentors: Silva Menard & Maja Svetlik and Stana Frelih, both CŠOD OE Idrija Lace School.

Text: Maja Svetlik, CŠOD OE Idrija Lace School
Lacemakers: Mira Guzelj, Andra Jereb, Draga Sedej
Photo: Maja Svetlik, CŠOD OE Idrija Lace School