Theo Botschuijver: INFLATABLE STRUCTURES

In September 2004 Maribor hosted the extravagant art of Theo Botschuijver from Holland. His works were exhibited at Maribor Main Square, at the park `Three Ponds` and in the gallery KiBela, in Multimedia centre Kibla, Kneza Koclja 9, Maribor.

The opening took place on Friday, 10 September 2004 at 5 pm at the Main Square. Boris Sovič, the mayor of Maribor, gave the opening speech and among the special guests was Rado Bohinc, minister of the Interior. Minister of Culture Ms. Andreja Rihter was also present at the opening in gallery KiBela at 7 pm.

Special events!
· Take a walk on the water: Three ponds – Waterwalk – at weekends during the time of exhibition (11-12 September, 18-19 September and 25-26 September), from 3 pm to 6 pm.
· Lecture on the art of inflatable structures took place in MMC Kibla, on Thursday, 16 September at 8 pm. The artist talked about his opus and other ideas.

This time we had the opportunity to introduce a true master and a pioneer of the art of inflatable interactive structures that demand a different exhibition area, usually the artist places them on the water, in the park, in some urban space, gallery or in the air. Their appearance exceeds the forms of architectural objects, since they easily become places of games and unusual feelings. As a designer Theo connects art, technique and entertainment.

Theo Botschuijver's specialities are inflatable interactive structures. Dutch artist is a pioneer of this media. His most famous structure is the enormous inflatable pig that can be found on the cover of Pink Floyd's album Animals. He also worked for Genesis and James Bond movie Diamonds Are For Ever.

About the author:
Theo Botschuijver: born in 1943 in Rotterdam; From 1960 - 1965 studied at Design Academy in Eindhoven; during 1968 - 1981 he worked with famous Jeffrey Shaw and was active member of Eventstructure Research Group;Between 1982 and 1995 he was teaching audio - visual design at the Royal Academy for Art and Design in s'Hertogenboschu in Holland; since 1995 he has been making 'spatial effects' and has been dealing with complete solutions for various events, from promotional advertising products to visuals and decorations for dance performances.