Natalija Šeruga Golob / From W.B.'s Collection
Natalija Šeruga Golob / From W.B.'s Collection
UGM Šop, Strossmayerjeva 6
12 May – 31 July 2022
curator: Andreja Borin
Natalija Šeruga Golob's work is distinguished by a unique vocabulary that revolves around the unknown and mysterious. The mystical experience and exploration, as well as the exploration and experience of the universality of existence, which endures as a continual cycle between life and death, are at the centre of this maelstrom. The point of transition, often known as death in human language, is the very point of the vortex—the point of zero. According to the artist, creating is a ritual or a link between the real and the sublime for her. And how does she manage to cross over into another dimension? Natalija Šeruga Golob frequently incorporates ancient symbols, ornaments, various letterings, and laces into her works; she uses old prints as a base; one can also trace reminiscences of fine art history. But most importantly, all of these layers are placed on the canvas (or on paper) through the delicate sieve of the artist's spirit, which is fed by numerous mystics, poets, and thinkers.
This time, the artist has drawn inspiration from German philosopher Walter Benjamin, to whom the current series From W.B.'s Collection has been dedicated. The motif of a white horse cantering shines out in this sequence of small-format drawings. The white oval ring, which can also be seen as a portal or passage between different dimensions, emphasises the symbolism of the leap. The artist produces symbolic representations of transition by adding lettering, numbering, and layers of colour. The second series is devoted to child portraits. The images have an emotional impact on the spectator and arouse curiosity, while also evoking memories of the past. The images are wrapped in frayed lace, evoking a broken thread (of life), but they retain their beauty and delicacy. Regardless of age or passage of time, the spirit's childishness remains a part of us and a part of the imagery. Not only is mystery an element of the inexplicable transition and death, but it is also an inextricable part of life.
Natalija Šeruga Golob (r. 1971) studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, graduating in 1999 and obtaining her master's degree in 2003. She exhibits regularly; her work is part of several art collections in Slovenia and Austria (UGM, NLB, Talum Collection, Slovenian Cultural Centre Korotan in Vienna, Nova Gorica City Gallery, Murska Sobota Gallery, KGLU—Hommage à Tisnikar). Radenci is where she currently resides and works.
