Viktor Bernik, Žiga Kariž
New works

Solo Exhibition

Galerija Equrna
Gregorčičeva 3, Ljubljana
8 November – 2 December, 2011

Opening:
TUE, 8 November 2011, 7 pm

 
 

At 7 pm on 8th November 2011 the Equrna gallery in Ljubljana will host the opening of the solo exhibition of Viktor Bernik and Žiga Kariž. Following a long lasting cooperation, numerous group and solo projects, the two painters (who recently started to share a studio) decided to exhibit together for the very first time. In their newest exhibition they decided to present two new series of paintings. The exhibition will be accompanied by a text written by dr. Petja Grafenauer which can be found in the brochure designed by Kontrastika studio.

The artists belong to the painting circle that invaded the galleries at the end of the 1990s. Their paintings typically depicted images that were a reaction to the extended status of the visual (amongst all other things). Since then their practices have become individualised, however a connection could still be felt in their occasional co-operations and joint appearances, as well as in their works themselves. Recently Viktor Bernik and Žiga Kariž started to share a studio, which might have influenced this exhibition.
So far the painting opuses of both artists have interchanged with projects that only marginally dealt with paintings; the artists often set off into a world of installations, drawings, events, video or graphic prints. As regards the matter they were mainly linked to painting, but in order to achieve a better effect the painters used numerous other forms. This experience was always reciprocal and visible in every new painting series. Their artistic practice also shows that they have been becoming increasingly the 'painter's' painter over the years. This does not mean that the forms in their paintings became more spontaneous, or that there were more coincidences or gestures. Even though this is also true. But this is a consequence of the conceptual decision to move away from the prepainting concept, which in reality means that the artists decided: »The exhibition will be in Equrna, so let's paint!«


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Viktor Bernik (1971) graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Art in Ljubljana (under professors Metka Krašovec and Bojan Gorenc, 1998). He completed his specialist studies under professor Bojan Gorenc and deepened his knowledge during his studies in the United States of America. Amongst others he exhibited at the 5th Triennial of Contemporary Art and the 28th Biennial of Graphic Arts in Ljubljana. He is a self-employed artist who lives and works in Ljubljana.

Žiga Kariž (1973) graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Art in Ljubljana (under professor Andrej Jemec, 1997). In 2001 he completed his specialist course under professor Bojan Gorenc. He cooperated at the 2nd and 4th Triennial of Contemporary Art, exhibited in the Slovene section at the Venetian Biannual (2003), Transmediale 08 (2008), Prague Biannual (2005), EV+A Biannual in Limerick (2004) and the Sao Paulo Biannual (2002). In 2009 he accepted the position of a professor of painting and drawing at the Academy of Fine Art and Design. He lives and works in Ljubljana.


Production of the exhibition: Aksioma – Institute for Contemporary Art, Ljubljana, 2011

Coproduction: Equrna gallery



Executive producer: Marcela Okretič
Public Relations: Mojca Zupanič


Supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia and the Municipality of Ljubljana.



Contacts:
Aksioma - Institute for Contemporary Art, Ljubljana

 
PRESS RELEASE
 
 
 
BROSHURE
 


Petja Grafenauer
Fuck off Douglas Crimp!

[ENG / SLO]

Brochure published on the occasion of the exhibition

Viktor Bernik, Žiga Kariž
New works