Nataša Grandovec and Martina Obid Mlakar: Urban Nature

Nataša Grandovec and Martina Obid Mlakar: Urban Nature
21 July–19 August 2023
artKIT

Humbly invited to the opening of the exhibition Urban Nature by designers Nataša Grandovec and Martina Obid Mlakar, which will take place on Friday, 21st of July 2023, at 19:00 in the exhibition space artKIT.

INVITATION (PDF)
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION (PDF)

The exhibition of unique contemporary jewellery in Urban Nature is a perennial project, in which the designers explore the different layers of cohabitation between man and urban nature within the city centre and its close surroundings. With unique pieces of jewellery the authors interpret walks across urban sections, across the city green and suburban landmarks. They emphasize unique regional flora, among which stands out the world renowned Žametovka (The Old Grape Vine). They also touch on the city fauna: birds atop the tower of city hall, bees which live in the urban setting, etc.

The exhibition is also accompanied by a video by Aljoša Juhart, who in detail explores and weaves jewellery and nature as an inspiration for him.

Nataša Grandovec pays homage to the city in which she lives and creates with her jewellery. The tower of city hall thus becomes a pendant, Piramida gets a purple touch, the Old Grape Vine wraps around the wrist etc. She emphasizes the city landmarks, including those which may sometimes remain hidden to the eye, but which are nonetheless immeasurably precious and important for the development of the urban center; of urban nature, without which life in the city would be unbearable. She emphasizes the importance and simultaneously the brittleness of the balance between urbanism, fauna and flora, which should be a significant part of every town center.

https://nakit-april.eu/index.php

Martina Obid Mlakar explores the meaning of touch and the dimension of time. On a meditative walk through an avenue of trees she thinks about the eternal gingko, which knows the oldest tales. Man and city enter into the exhibited story with a palm. The palm represents the subtle presence of different layers of cohabitation. The palm, which gives and receives, touches the human being and the fellow human being. It touches nature – like an endless trail that the contact leaves behind. The designer emphasizes that in this cohabitation there must be balance and that the touch must be respectful; for this reason, the metal palm gives way to growing meadows and birds taking flight. With this we get to know the beauty of touch and a hope for the future.

https://www.martinaobid.com/

Produced by Nataša Grandovec.
Co-organised by ACE KIBLA.
Supported by the Municipality of Maribor.

< Urban Nature, 2023; conceptual design: Nataša Grandovec, design: Metka
Slamič, photography: Marjan Laznik

artKIT, Glavni trg 14, Maribor
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.