This exhibition showcases the groundbreaking photographic work of Stane Jagodič, a key figure in Slovenian and Central Eastern European art. It highlights his experimental approach to photomontages, collages, and the integration of performance art, often used for social and political critique.
Stane Jagodič established himself as one of the most original artists in Slovenia and the broader Central Eastern European space, redefining the boundaries of the photographic medium in the 1970s. His approach was marked by exceptional experimentalism, particularly evident in his montages and collages where he combined photographs with found materials, words, graphics, and X-rays. He also pioneered the integration of performance and photography, making him a significant figure in abstract photography.
Jagodič's photomontages and photocollages served as vehicles for sharp social and political critique, combining elements of absurdity, the grotesque, and irony with references to contemporary technology and industry to comment on the dehumanization of everyday life. Drawing on the legacy of Dadaism and Surrealism, he engaged with contemporary neo-avant-garde movements. He was a co-founder and informal leader of the Junij Group, which fostered international artistic dialogue and was recognized with the Grand Prix at the International Mois de la Photo in Paris. In his practice, Jagodič represented a radical departure from the documentary conception of post-war photography, using his multimedia approach for experimentation, reflection, and artistic resistance.