Slovenian Caricature Festival
History
The Slovenian area has a rich and high-quality humorous tradition, both in word and in images, drawings, illustrations, caricatures. Unfortunately, the latter have never received the right place in high art. That is why in Poljane above Škofja Loka, they decided to organize a Slovenian Caricature Festival, because it is right in these places that the caricature tradition is rich. There is the renowned Šubic House, the birthplace of Janez Šubic and Jurij Šubic, who are among the most important Slovenian painters, as well as the place where their father, Štefan Šubic, had the most important artisan workshop in the 19th century. Today, however, the building works as a cultural centre, with a permanent museum collection and a diverse program, including exhibitions, creative workshops and various cultural events. Another cultural monument was revived, the Tavčar Visoko Mansion, where cultural events are also taking place.
Programme
The first Caricature Festival in Slovenia, as well as all other editions, took place at these locations. Various creative workshops, live cartooning and bodypainting were held at the Visoko Mansion. All festival exhibitions took place at the Gallery of the Šubic House, where the best Slovenian caricaturists, such as Miki Muster, Tomo Lavrič, Bine Rogelj, Marko Kočevar, Jože Trobec, Jože Tönig, Iztok Sitar, Boris Oblak, Ciril Horjak, Matej de Cecco, Izar Lunaček, Danica Guberinič, Tit Nešovič, Matjaž Poklukar, Jože Poklukar, Matej Kocjan, Andrej Bajt, Andrej Hrovat, Darja Lovak and many others, presented themselves. The festival also had an international note; it hosted, among others, the Croatian Association of Caricaturists. At the Poljane Cultural Centre, there was always an entertainment programme, for example, the Sašo Hribar Show, a concert by Uršula Ramoveš and Fantje z Jazbecove grape, etc.
Organizers believe that caricature – also with the help of caricature festivals – has gained recognition as an art form and improved its status in so-called high art. “Connections, collaborations and genuine friendships have developed among caricaturists from all over Slovenia”, said Boris Oblak, programme director of the festival, illustrator, caricaturist and musician, who has been involved in the art of caricature for many years.
See also