Slovenia

Artist: Luka Rep

Luka Rep (b. 2000) is an artist who studies at the AVA – Academy of Visual Arts in Ljubljana. When still in elementary school, he attended Zmago Modic's painting course for adults. Already in 2014, he presented his paintings at three exhibitions. In 2022 and 2023, he exhibited four times: at the AVA annual overview exhibition and at the TAM-TAM street gallery in Ljubljana.
 

Interpretation

The winning design for the new Slovenian bear features a variety of faces of different genders, nationalities, ages, and cultures to point to the essential, crucial need for tolerance, compassion, and solidarity in striving for mutual understanding, consideration, and peaceful coexistence. Depicted as quick croquis, a multitude of outlined faces highlight some of the individuals who have had a vital impact on the Slovenian cultural history: Ivan Cankar, Alma Karlin, Zofka Kveder, Ivana Kobilca, Lili Novy, Jože Plečnik, France Prešern and Primož Trubar. The design is limited to three main colours – white, blue, and red, alluding to the colours of the Slovenian flag. An additional motif included in the design to make it more dynamic is Idrija lace, a symbol of Slovenian identity, creativity, and tradition.

Sponsor: Bauhaus Slovenija