Jump to content Page index
Stories from Slovenia

36th Ljubljana Bienniale of Graphic Arts Opens with a Focus on Imagination and Freedom

36th Ljubljana Bienniale of Graphic Arts Opens with a Focus on Imagination and Freedom

The 36th edition of the Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts opens today and runs until 12 October 2025, marking the event’s 70th anniversary. This year’s edition, titled Oracle: On Imagination and Freedom, explores the role of art as a space for reflecting on the future, the common good, and peaceful coexistence.

Founded in 1955, the Ljubljana Bienniale of Graphic Arts is one of the world’s longest-running international biennials. For its 70th anniversary edition, the biennial is led by renowned curator, educator, and researcher Chus Martínez, who frames the exhibition around the idea of the "oracle" – a symbolic space for encountering the future. Through this lens, the biennial explores the power of imagination to restore faith in freedom, solidarity, and shared values.

What Does the “Oracle” Represent?

In ancient times, the oracle was a place where people sought guidance about the direction of their lives. Today, in a world marked by uncertainty and unmet needs, the biennial proposes art as a modern oracle – offering a small but vital space where freedom, dreaming and critical thought remain possible.

Rather than offering grand answers or mobilizing mass movements, the biennial highlights art as a subtle, reflective force that encourages us to imagine alternative futures and rethink how we live together. It argues that every cultural event can serve as an oracle – a site for dialogue about how to build a better life based on shared principles.

Spotlight: Žogica Marogica – A Puppet That Bridges the Past and Present

At the heart of this year’s edition is the character Žogica Marogica, a beloved Slovenian puppet created by artist Ajša Pengov in 1951. Originally designed for a children’s puppet show, the colorful ball-shaped head of Žogica has become a cultural icon.

The character is used in the biennial as a metaphor for larger themes: tradition, politics, autonomy, and creativity. It prompts reflection on contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence, education in the digital age, and our evolving relationship with control, technology and independence.

Parallel Program Across Ljubljana

In addition to the main exhibition, the biennial features a range of parallel events:

  • ISIS Gallery will host a solo exhibition by Tejswini Narayan Sonawane, recipient of the Grand Prize of the 35th Biennial.
  • Ljubljana Castle will present work by the collective Sreda v sredo, winner of the audience award from the previous edition.
  • Museum of Contemporary History of Slovenia will showcase The Beginning of Something Great, a special exhibition marking the first International Graphic Exhibition and the social context surrounding the birth of the Ljubljana Biennial.

 

More information

Contacts

Global public relations and Marketing
e-mail address: press(at)slovenia.info

Sign up for the Trade News

Be up to date about what’s happening in Slovenian tourism. By subscribing to our newsletter you will receive the latest trade news in the field of tourism and other current information on a monthly basis.

Share with friends

This content is not available in Russian language.

Please visit the homepage or select another language.