SPEKULA VIII: Objectless Materiality |
Group exhibition |
Meduza Gallery, Koper, 12.11.2026–30.01.2027 |
Opening: Friday, 12 November, at 19.00.
The eighth edition of Spekula is grounded in the insights and actions arising from an awareness of how crucial it is for an idea to evolve into a concrete phenomenon. The title Objectless Materiality illustrates that cluster of ideas that transcends the realm of thought and materializes as a consequence of actions. In an era where the machine intertwines with creativity, imagination, and vision, scientists and high-tech developers are questioning their own actions and, in a sense, sharing responsibility with the general public. A prime example is Geoffrey Hinton, who, upon receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics (alongside John Hopfield), spoke to BBC Newsnight about the real threat posed by the impact and consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) on humanity—despite being widely regarded as the godfather and enabler of AI development. In this same spirit, the participating artists in the exhibition present their own visions and expressions.
On this occasion, the featured artists are Ulay, Živko Marušič, Igor Andjelić, and Tilen Žbona.
The selection of artists in itself conveys part of the exhibition’s core message to the wider public, highlighting the importance of individuals, the genesis of the conceptual context, and the integration of personal ideas into the public sphere. We are thus presented with authors whose work plays a pioneering role, establishing new patterns of thinking, perceiving, and accepting reality. The artistic phenomena of the renowned author Ulay—quite rightfully known for his legendary partnership with the world-famous Marina Abramović—demonstrate and address a shift in standards and needs within the art world. The ideas behind his contributions, actions, and mindset have unequivocally influenced the historical course of art. Živko Marušič, a pioneer of the “New Image" (Nova podoba) movement in Slovenia, a master communicator, a striking visual storyteller, and a key milestone both in Slovenia and beyond in transferring visual language into a more complex form of media image-messaging. Igor Andjelić, an important player on the Slovenian urban cultural scene, a master of light, image construction, staging, and challenging established values, undoubtedly represents and stands out as a key figure and foundational pillar of contemporary Slovenian culture. Tilen Žbona explores the context of the visible through various approaches, allowing the viewer a deep immersion into reading his works while navigating between the manipulation of the image and the perceived message.
The exhibition “Objectless Materiality" presents a series of artworks that, from the very moment of their creation, call for an in-depth consideration of the artists’ actions and ideas, offering—in the spirit of Spekula—a broad spectrum of different approaches and perceptions regarding the significance of artistic engagement.
Artistic Director, Prof. Dr. Tilen Žbona, University of Primorska
