Lek's sponsorship of the Biennial of Graphic Arts helps support art in Slovenia

The International Centre of Graphic Arts and Lek, a Sandoz company, have been working together for many years. We joined our efforts at the graphic arts biennials in 2003, 2005 and 2007, and at exhibitions by Alan Hranitelj in 2006 and Petra Varl and Zora Stančič in 2008. Each time it has been shown that business and the arts mix so well that they bring forth exceptional results, so this year we have decided to be a part of this significant cultural event once again.

“The Biennial of Graphic Arts is an excellent example of a cultural project which has for many years clearly indicated the importance and effect of creative cooperation between business and the arts. Like Lek, they too strive for excellence in the organization of every event and through their long-term success ensure the continued development of the arts in Slovenia,” said Lek CEO Vojmir Urlep.

The winner of the Grand Prize at the 28th Biennial of Graphic Arts is the group Justseeds from the United States of America. Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative is a decentralized community of artists who have banded together to promote their individual work, to collaborate with and encourage each other, and to support progressive social movements.

The central exhibition at the 28th Biennial of Graphic Arts was titled The Matrix: Unstable Reality. It attempts to respond to certain vital questions for society and art raised by the cult movie trilogy The Matrix. Does a medium stay the same once it incorporates new technologies in its discourse? Does this increase the audience for art? What is the social power of those who possess the matrix? Is the possession of the matrix enough to also justify exclusive reproduction rights? Can we create a perfect world, whether real or virtual?

The exhibition offers a selection of more than eighty internationally established and emerging artists. Their work extends from traditional and contemporary printmaking to artist’s books and interventions in the public space, in the mass media, and on computers. The exhibition’s art director is Božidar Zrinski.

In addition to the main exhibition space at the International Centre of Graphic Arts, exhibitions within the Biennial of Graphic Arts are also held at the Jakopič Gallery, Cankarjev dom Gallery, the Alkatraz, Ganes Pratt, Kapsula and Škuc galleries, on the Jakopič Promenade, at the Pionirski dom Art Center, at the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum and at the Kinodvor Coffee Shop.

The 28th Biennial of Graphic Arts is produced by the International Centre of Graphic Arts and co-producers Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre, Alkatraz Gallery, Ganes Pratt Gallery, Kapsula Gallery, Škuc Gallery, the City Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana, Pionirski dom Art Center, Stripburger/Forum Ljubljana, and the National Education Institute.