Eileen MacDonagh and Bojana Križanec: Tactile dialogue 
8. 6. – 22. 6. 2018
X-OP / Špital chapel in Celje, Negova castle

First at the Špital chapel in Celje, and later in July at the Negova castle, Eileen MacDonagh and Bojana Križanecwill revealed to us how their Tactile dialog unfolds. It is about the co-existence of their forms, created by processing natural materials, various types of limestone found in Europe, which the artists consider as “their own”, and about the materialization of ideas, with which they have filled the stones. The two artists’ dialog “in stone” can be interpreted through several dimensions: the first one is subtle and emotional, the second is experiential, creative, crafty, the third is material, basic, elementary, the fourth is symbolic, explorational, metaphysical.

Academy-trained sculptor Eileen MacDonagh comes from the Irish region of Kerry, and is considered as one of the most esteemed and respected sculptors in Ireland. In Slovenia, she is presenting a selection of her most recent works, which were created especially for this occasion. She mainly works in stone, and the statues showcased on this occasion are also made of limestone. Apart from smaller-sized works that have been featured in many exhibitions both in Ireland and abroad, including shows in Portugal, Scotland, Japan and India, she is known for her large sculptures in public spaces. Her work is included in numerous collections.

Bojana Križanec is undoubtedly the most active, persistent and consistent sculptor of her generation in Slovenia, as well as a highly original performer and video artist. Her unique, one-of-a-kind, highly recognizable and authentic style and a wide, entirely authorial approach to processing different materials (stone, ceramics), coupled with a distinct color scheme, express specific motifs. These range from figures, landscapes, various objects or organs, to entirely abstract forms, into which she incorporates colors through a combination of different stones, or by means of applying a ceramic glaze. Her works have won her international acclaim and many awards and recognitions.