About Galeria Sloveniana
The Institute for Slovenian Studies of Victoria has taken on the role of
establishing the online gallery to provide the opportunity for artists of
Slovenian background to present their work to the world community beyond the
local and more immediate exhibition audience. Initially, the concept of the
online gallery was formulated and developed by web developer and creative
director of Thezaurus projects, Chiron Morpheus. This initiative is aimed
to facilitate artistic personal expression and social interaction in a world
community context, and to foster cultural development for future generations.
The aim of the gallery is to provide a venue for the emerging artists in Slovenia,
or anywhere else in the world. It is a showcase for the younger generations
and artists who seek new forms for self-expression reflecting contemporary
values and trends. There is the eternal paradigm of generational difference,
the gap between the older and younger generations. New generations are part
of a rapidly changing society: an ever changing world of technology, new forms
of communication, new genres and trends in modern art, and the effects of
globalization.
The gallery will act to reach the so-called "lost generation", the descendants of Slovenian immigrants. The new generations may be acquainted with some traditional elements of Slovenian culture. These are usually manifestations of the older and traditional culture - folksongs, choirs, dance, cuisine and annual celebrations - and are maintained as the "cultural heritage". They have only slight knowledge of contemporary Slovenia, its context in Europe and its culture.
The concept of the online gallery came about as a natural progression in looking at the expression of cultural life by the second and third generations for whom knowledge of Slovenian culture is limited; yet for which there is great interest. The gallery is one of the Thezaurus cultural projects and programs of the Institute and fulfills the Institute's aim to present Slovenian culture globally.
Slovenian Culture in the World
The online gallery will facilitate exchanges between communities in Australia,
Slovenia and other countries. The gallery is part of the vision to foster
a process of continuing dialogue and the means to deepen understanding and
forging links between individuals and groups, as well as presenting Slovenian
culture to the world community.
Along with this fundamental function of the gallery, the Institute would like
to present exhibitions specific to Slovenia and of interest to Australians:
Slovenian arts and crafts, retrospective exhibitions, lectures, travelling
exhibitions and artists from Slovenia. In this way the Slovenian community
would fulfil its role as a true cultural ambassador - of Slovenian culture
in Australia as well as of Australian culture in Slovenia.
