slovenia in us

SLOVENIA IN USLipizzaner horses by Alenka SLAVINEC

Dedicated to 20 years of Slovenia's independence (1991/2011)

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CATALOGUE SLOVENIA IN US Lipizzaner horses by Alenka SLAVINEC

DESIGNER Vasja Strelec PRINTING Gra!"ni Studio OK MariborNUMBER OF COPIES PRINTED 100 izvodov PREPA!TION Alenka SLAVINEC and Wayward Pen Foundation LECTORSHIP Clara Drew WRITER Alenka Slavinec, Suzana PetekT!NSLATION Mitja Milo#i" PUBLISHER ARSlavinec

Slovenia, 2011

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Alenka SLAVINEC Dedicated to 20 years of the Slovenias independence and our heritage of Lipizzaner horses

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SLOVENIA IN USLipizzaner horses by Alenka SLAVINEC

www.alenkaslavinec.com

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Dress by Sanja Veli"kovi$Jewelry by Sre"ko Molk Photo Vanjo Grobljar

"To spend days, hours, even moments with the Lipizzaner stallions is a privilege and an honor which I will cherish all my life. "ey #lled me with joy and con#dence and when I created these photographs I felt a rush of belonging, pride and patriotism for my country. All of this with the good fortune of having a se$ing that was far more peaceful than the days we demanded our sovereignty. In these photos I strove to illustrate my life's experience of love towards creation, photography, animals and nature. "is project has demanded all of my expertise in communicology, international promotion, marketing and artistic production. I would really like to thank all of you who believed in me and supported me on this journey."

Alenka SLAVINEC

Ms. SLAVINEC’s is one of the !nest emerging photographers in Slovenia, known not only as an artist but also as a leading expert and luminary in her !eld. She is recognized for leading, collaborating and initiating key programs within the artistic community in Slovenia, "e United States, and other international territories. Photographer and !lm producer Alenka SLAVINEC was born in Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia. She studied social sciences at the University of Ljubljana and Film and Photography at the New York Film Academy (NYFA).Her past and present works include a public relations position at Satchi & Satchi, the o#cial photographer for "e Slovenia Times of Ljubljana. Her productions include !lms such as “"e World Didn’t Know It Landed In "e Poem,” a documentary about renowned Slovenian photographer Stojan Kerbler, o#cial Montreal And Magnolia !lm festival selection “Coming Home” directed by Aksel Stasny, and “All that Glit-ters” a feature drama. She has also collaborated with known !lm director Jasny Voiteck on numerous projects. Alenka SLAVINEC serves as a cultural manager at the Museum of transitory art (MOTA) in Ljubljana and Wayward Pen Foundation in New York City, a non- pro!t cross cultural organization dedicated to the exchange between new and emerging European, Slovenian and American artists.

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20 PHOTOS - 20 YEARS OF SLOVENIAN INDEPENDENCE

"e author introduces the history of Slovenia from 1991 to 2010 with 20 selected photographs. Alenka sums up the key milestones of a young country; the secession from Yugoslavia, accession to the UN, joining the EU and NATO, a Presidency of the EU, and the adoption of Euro amongst other achievements. Twenty photographs illustrate 20 years of Slovenian independence and each year is de!ned by the most signi!cant events in Slovenian politics, all of which are depicted through the beautiful and cherished piece of Slovenian heritage; "e Lippizaner Stallion.

CONCEPT “SLOVENIA IN US “

"e creator of this project, Alenka SLAVINEC, constantly expresses love for nature, country and cultural heritage through her work. Ms. SLAVINEC prepared this project with a strong artistic, native and political value within the international environment. For this project, she has chosen the Lipizzanerer horses captured in their natural environment of Lipica. Photography exhibition “SLOVENIA IN US” Lipizzanerer horses by Alenka SLAVINEC was !rstly introduced on February 8th 2011 in Washington D.C., on Slovenian national cultural day. "e prime minster Borut Pahor opened the exhibition. Ms. SLAVINEC designed the project in the most artistically comprehensive way by incorporating political as well as cultural aspects of Slovenia. "e exhibition is a visual poetry while at the same time illustrating a memorandum of 20 years, since Slovenia gained its sovereignty. "e Lipizzaner horses kindly accepted Alenka as they showed her their more untamed nature while they embraced their freedom on the plateaus of Lipica. She created mysterious, illusory and highly artistic photographs of the Lipizzaner horse. "e stallion is presented by itself with its independence and as a herd with its connectivity. Alenka observes and feels in the Lipizzaner stallion everything she experienced when Slovenia gained its independence. At the same time she personalizes the horse and transcends her journey through life as a Slovenian citizen, growing up in Ptuj and moving to New York, Australia and other places around the world.

MISSION

"e mission of this project is to present Slovenia in the United States of America and abroad. It aims at bringing Slovenes all over the world closer, emphasizing their national pride and se$ing a milestone for their identity."e author’s aim is to encourage young people to be proud of their country and consider the idea of freedom and its value. She devoted the selected photos to key moments of Slovenia’s independence to emphasize the sense of fear and insecurity while Slovenians struggled for independence, and the joy that followed when Slove-nia gained full sovereignty. With that she wants to send a message to younger generations to be proud of their small but tough nation and to support their fellow coun-trymen. "e author is a respected representative of Wayward Pen Foundation in New York which strives to use art and culture as recognition of Slovenia in the world.SLOVENIA IN US is an outstanding artistic achievement to Kobilarna Lipica and the Republic of Slovenia in a diplomatic, artistic and international environment.


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We at Kobilarna Lipica have been looking forward to respond to an invitation by Alenka Slavinec, a famous photographer, to take part in the photo exhibition of the Lipizzaner horses as a main motif of this exhibition, with which the author tried to illustrate 20 years of modern history of the Slovenian state, because we are celebrat-ing the 20th anniversary of Slovenia's independence this year. "e main motif is a Lipizzaner horse, a national symbol of Slovenia. Kobilarna Lipica is an exceptional monument, protected by law and declared as a cultural monument of national importance for the Republic of Slovenia. It is an exceptional environment that re%ects more than a four-century old history of one of the oldest cultural horse breed in the world with the image of a cultural landscape and the image of a Lipizzaner horse. Moreover, it reveals an immense national pride that we have created something very exceptional and wonderful right here, on the Slovenian soil and from the Slovenian genes. And what else could be more appropriate for this occasion – the greatest achievement in the history of Slovenia – than our own country?

"at is why we at Kobilarna Lipica gave Alenka Slavinec an opportunity, with our complete con!dence that she can discover the most beautiful features of the Lipiz-zaner horses, the features that re%ect our history, to capture the Lipizzaner horses in her photographic lens in their most authentic environment, in their most intimate and primitive moments. "us, there is no wonder that she received very positive feedback on her photographs, which express subtle experience of Lipica’s nature as well as the nature of Lipizzaner, a very noble being. We are overjoyed that we had a privilege to admire the white Slovenian Lipizzaner at the photo exhibition overseas and right through these portraits we became familiar with the path of the Slovenian state from its independence to the present day. A&er the visit in USA, we now believe that these photos of the Lipizzaner horses will !ll people with enthusiasm also in Slovenia, where the photo exhibition by Alenka Slavinec will be held.

Tomi Rumpf, dr.vet.med, director of Kobilarna Lipica

Alenka Slavinec's photos are a wonderful compliment to nature and culture. "ey are an original homage to the Lipizzaner horses and their homeland – Slovenia. Moreover, her photographs illustrate a loquacious tale of Slovenia’s twenty-year old history as an independent country. Alenka’s aesthetics is based on a peculiar intertwining of subtlety and originality. At the same time, it represents an authentic articulation of her life philosophy. With the photo exhibition by Alenka Slavinec the Parliament would like to emphasize a special role that visual art plays in developing national identity.

Dr. Pavel Gantar, deputy, President of National Assembly RS


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"roughout more than a thousand years’ history, Slovenian people have been forming a deep wish to have their own, independent state. But we have seldom possessed strength in numbers and political power, making us unable to resist many foreign incursions on our territory. Nevertheless, our love of our culture and heritage has bound us in perpetuity to the goal of self-determination. For centuries, the Lipizzaner horses have represented Slovenian identity and cultural heritage with their beauty, free spirit, determination, and elegance. As one of leading Slovenian poets, Edvard Kocbek, said in his poem “Lipizzaner horses”:

“… it isn't possible to !t these restless animals into any set pa$erns:it is good, when the day shines,the Lippizaners are black foals.

And it is good, when the night reigns,the Lippizaners are white mares,

but the best is,when the day comes out of the night,

then the Lippizaners are white and black bu'oons,the court fools of its Majesty,

Slovene history.”

"e exhibition SLOVENIA IN US is a perfect example of how we, and our young generation, can honor our cherished traditions in new and exciting ways. Alenka Slavinec’s poetic modern photography is telling a story of !rst twenty years of Slovenia’s independence. It is my profound pleasure that Alenka’s Lipizzaner horses were !rst exhibited at the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington on the occasion of Slovenia’s Cultural Day in February 2011. I wish the exhibition and the artist all the best in her endeavor to continue to re%ect throughout the U.S. and globally the progress we have made as an independent state.

Roman Kirn, Ambassador of Slovenia to USA

As Slovenia celebrates the 20th anniversary of its statehood, Alenka Slavinec’s photographs of Lipizzaner horses commemorate Slovenia’s two decades existence as an independent country. "e exhibition of equestrian photography titled SLOVENIA IN US re%ects on the story of Slovenia through images of Lipizzaner horses, as captured in the picturesque Slovenian Karst village, Lipica, a&er which the elegant white horses are named. "e Lipizzaner was created over 430 years ago when Haps-burg Archduke Charles II founded a stud farm in Lipica, breeding horses of Spanish, Arabian and Berber descent with the horses native to the Karst, who were prized for their strength and endurance. "e resulting Lipizzaner horses have become a symbol of freedom, beauty, and national pride for the Slovenians, and an important part of the country's cultural heritage. But they also are a symbol of a common past, interconnectivity and a shared culture of the wider region of Central Europe. Outside of Slovenia, Lipizzaner horses are particularly closely associated with the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Here as in Slovenia, the horses excel in classical dressage. Beloved by many, the horses have been preserved throughout their storied history, which included many wars and con%icts. Perhaps most famously, the story of their preservation by General George S. Pa$on during World War II became the subject of the 1963 Disney movie Miracle of the White Stallions. In these photo-graphs by Slavinec, the Lipizzaner horses come through clearly and without explanation: their free spirit and noble grace, their ties to nature and to tradition. In a lyrical documentary way, these images transcend borders and thus have a universal appeal.

Dr. Melita Gabri(, Consul General ai. of Slovenia


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We at Rai'eisen Bank are glad to be able to take part in the project SLOVENIA IN US. We have been trying to preserve our rich natural and cultural heritage by supporting di'erent activities for many years now. "e exceptionality of our Lipizzaner horses inspires over and over again. "erefore, in 2010, we also became an honorable godfather of a Lipizzaner horse at Kobilarna Libica. "e Lipizzaner horses’ dedication and strength represent part of our international logo Rai'eisen as well.

Klemens Nowotny, CEO of Rai'eisen Bank in Slovenia

Alenka is a very talented photographer, !lmmaker and artist in every single aspect. Her photographs are cinematic and that is the highest recognition for a photogra-pher. "ey re%ect her love and pride towards her country and the completeness of the message in view of Slovenia's independence and that is just a glimpse of her. "e exhibition is complete and communicates as well as represents Slovenianness in various aspects to the entire world.

Jasny Voiteck NYC one of the most in%uential and successful Czech !lm director

Wayward Pen invited Alenka Slavinec and her photography exhibition “Slovenia in US” to New York City. Ms. Slavinec has a remarkable talent and personality, and is a great asset to the country of Slovenia for networking, providing economic bene!t, and popularizing the cultural sector. Ms. Slavinec has done an excellent job by cre-ating 'Slovenia in US'. It's mission shares and supports the same beliefs as we do at Wayward Pen. "ere are a few people like Ms. Slavinec, she is not only an exceptional artist, she is a force of nature who's intentions are well mannered. "is is not a one time show for Ms. Slavinec, this is an investment for her future work and her desire to continue serving the advancement of Slovenia for years to come.

Wayward Pen Foundation

Slovenia's declaration of independence %om Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991 is followed by a ten-day war with the Yugoslav army.

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1991 - WALK AWAY

©Alenka SLAVINEC

Slovenia becomes a member of the UN. It is the #rst former Yugoslav republic to do so.

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1992 – OUR DETERMINATION

©Alenka SLAVINEC

"e lipa (linden tree) is a symbol of Lipica and its leaves are a symbol of Slovenia. "e black colts near a bare linden tree announce a new spring.

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1993 – LIPA

©Alenka SLAVINEC

As a young country, Slovenia begins to fall in love with its new %eedoms and independent growth.

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1994 – FIRST LOVE

©Alenka SLAVINEC

Slovenia becomes the 105th founding member of the World Trade Organization. "e tolar, Slovenia's currency, becomes convertible

in accordance with standards of the International Monetary Fund.

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1995 – ELAN

©Alenka SLAVINEC

Slovenia relies on good fortune, reason, and diplomacy – weapons honed during the #ve hundred-year history of this nation of two million,

which was never signi#cantly larger, even in the best of times.

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1996 – BEHIND

©Alenka SLAVINEC

"e Slovenian horizon is always clear; we know where we where we are going.

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1997 – HORIZON

©Alenka SLAVINEC

Slovenia o&ers its 2 million inhabitants a comfortable and high-quality life in the heart of Europe.

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1998 – HOME

©Alenka SLAVINEC

No ma$er what obstacles we face, we know that the sun is above the clouds and if we keep on going,

we will always reach the sun.

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1999 – RUN TO THE SUN

©Alenka SLAVINEC

Slovenia is a modern country that #ghts for human rights, the protection of nature, and international peace.

And through its actions it follows the dream of saving planet Earth.

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2000 – MILLENNIUM HOPE

©Alenka SLAVINEC

We walk toward the EU though we are still in transition at all levels.

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2001 – STILL IN THE F!ME

©Alenka SLAVINEC

"e mature white Lipizzaner horses gaze on their black colts %om “1993 – LIPA”, while at the same time look beyond them toward the EU.

From black colts to white Lipizzaner.

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2002 – MATURE DREAMS

©Alenka SLAVINEC

Slovenia has all the quali#cations to join the elite EU: It is a modern state with a well diversi#ed educational system along with developed,

widely-accessible information technologies and good internal in%astructure. It is an ecologically aware state with a low crime rate.

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2003 – I BELONG TO YOU, TOO

©Alenka SLAVINEC

Slovenia joins the European Union and NATO.

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A year of balance and growing contentment and joy.

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We will always #nd a way, the right action and at the right moment to solve the problem.

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Slovenia joins the European Monetary Union, the #rst of the new member states to adopt the euro as its currency.

Slovenia implements the Schengen Agreement on December 21, 2007.

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Holding the EU Council Presidency involves managing and representing 27 Member States and about 500 million citizens.

In this important task, performed by the Slovenia in the #rst half of 2008, 2,720 Slovenian civil servants, 133 independent experts and 245 students participated.

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A year of winners: Peter Kauzer wins 1st place in the canoe slalom world championships

and cross-country skier Petra Majdic wins the World Cup title for sprints. In December, Slovenian boxer Dejan Zavec becomes the world welterweight champion.

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We are loyal to Slovenia and to ourselves. "e white silky hair in the shape of Mount Triglav is %om Lipizzaner horse 085,

Favory Canissa XXII, who was gi'ed to Great Britan's Queen Elizabeth II.

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A SPECIAL THANKS TO who have been a part of or have supported the project SLOVENIA IN US.

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A special "thank you" to the many of you who support SLOVENIA IN US through your generous donations and countless volunteer hours. With your help, we have been able TO PRESENT YOU WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL EXHIBIT and provide TO THE SLOVENIAN COMMUNITY AT HOME AND ABROAD.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK, Darko JAZBEC, my family Marija, Milan, Du)an SLAVINEC and Jasny Voiteck, to my friends and to those who closely supported and collaborated in this project

Nevenka Leti(, Larisa Drekonja, Yaya Rey, Sanja Veli(kovi*, Sre(ko Molk, +an Teti(kovi(, Vasja Strelec, Mateja Toma)i(, Suzana Petek, Mitja Krap)a, Matej Kosi, Martin Bricelj Baraga, Vida Mulec, Mitja Milo)i(, Tanguy Bodivit, Suveen Sahib, Clara Drew, Irene Kotnik, Chris Yoon with wife, Milan Rajteri(, Zoki Kri,aj, Ma)a Jelu)i(, Vanja Grobljar, -rtomir Goznik, Miran Sen(ar, Primo, Hauptman, Ferlinc Darko, Jelena Stupljanin.

Borut Pahor, Samuel +bogar, Pavel Gantar, Roman Kirn, Ma)a .i&ar de Arzu and Henry Arzu, Melita Gabri( and Michael Benson, Jur(ek +mauc, Ale) Zalar, Marjan Hribar,Tomi Rumpf, Dejan Levani(, .tefan -elan.

Peter Brezovsky, Dieter Beintrexler, Klemens Novotny, Darko Brlek, Bla, Miklav(i(, Brane Krajnik, Andreja .enk Berce, Danilo Toplek, Ferdo Veingerl, Roman Glaser, Marko Podkubov)ek, Dejan Zavec, Boris Kobal, Igor Raku)a, Damjan Ostanek, Milan Sen(ar, Bo)tjan Leskovar.

Alenka SLAVINEC

slovenia in us

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