Ivana Stećuk / Gentle Cycle – Gentle Wash

Solo exhibition

FROM THE PREFACE OF THE EXHIBITION

The sociological theory of labeling assumes that the self-identity and behavior of individuals can be determined or under the (negative) influence of the labels used to describe or classify. Unlike the assignment of stereotypical characteristics, labeling in this context should still be understood as a neutral categorization, as a social concept that Ivana Stećuk embraces with both hands in creating an ambience of soft sculptures. Experiences, situations, other people's observations and comments make up the segments of the artist's interests on which she bases her textile works, and the key to understanding them is found on sewn labels that represent snippets of her (attached) personality or alter-ego. With pictograms such as an iron or a bowl of water, manufacturers mark suggestions on methods of washing, drying, dry cleaning and ironing clothes. The artist adapts and prints these symbols on enlarged labels in the form of short art books, and attaches them to the works, which she thus satirically opens up to interpretation. The soft sculptures become "dirty laundry" brought to light in the form of an ambient installation that swings in the artificial wind, grotesquely evoking scenes of coastal towns. Unlike such picturesque scenes, the lack of color of these textile works is reminiscent of washed-out clothes, in the form of worn clothes, but also of already fading memories. They are described succinctly and without hesitation as a series of building blocks of one's own identity that consist of periods of feeling dependent on others, cleansing from negative emotions, self-criticism or love episodes. With the exception of the label called Imperative. The verb form used to express a request, command or prohibition can also be understood as categorical in the philosophical sense, which is always valid and unconditionally, and indicates an urgent need. However, the absence of the first person singular in the imperative breaks the vicious circle of self-referentiality, which opens up some metaphysical questions, and potentially elevates the interpretation of the work into ontological spheres.

Sara Mikelić

BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR

Puns, nostalgic and playful artistic motifs are the main actors in the works of Ivana Stećuk (Zagreb, 1997).

She received her master's degree from the Department of Graphic Arts of the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb in 2022 in the class red. prof. art. Mirjana Vodopija, under the supervision of Silvio Vujičić. Her field of interest is textile installations and objects that she combines with graphic techniques. In her works, she tries to capture thoughts, feelings and moments in everyday life, to give little things and mistakes the opportunity to be the main actors.

She tries to get closer to the viewers with motifs with which they can identify associatively, who are the common artists who made the work and the person who will see that work. Ivana Stećuk has had 5 solo exhibitions and exhibited at more than 25 group exhibitions, and is the winner of two Rector's awards for great teamwork.

The exhibition in the Šira Gallery can be viewed during the working hours of the Gallery (Mon-Fri: 9-16 h, 18-20 h, Saturdays: 11-16 h) until 16.4.2023.

The exhibition was realized with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia and the City Office for Culture, Intercity and International Cooperation and Civil Society of the City of Zagreb.