NIKA VRBICA / DECORATION GOES BEYOND MEASURE – ORNATUS SUPERFLUIT
Solo exhibition
FROM THE PREFACE OF THE EXHIBITION
Nika Vrbica chooses the motif of a flower in order to contrast this delicate and fragile motif with an algorithmic "aggression" in which the paintings constantly demand attention. The ironic inversion that is legible in this procedure is used in order for the artist to parodically refer to the decorative enthusiasm present in the Art Nouveau period, bringing it to the point of absurdity in the post-digital age. Nika's flowers possess an ironic edge and become a tool. Through the encounter, or conflict, of the gentle and violent, violent "decoration" gains primacy, losing its decorative role, all in order to gain a new – utilitarian function. The visitor to the exhibition "Decoration Exceeds Measure / Ornatus Superfluit" is not greeted by the decency of the gallery space, but by a kind of invasion of décor. Wallpaper and painted textiles do not remain flat, they come out into space, imposing themselves on the visitor through the relief forms of garments. Ornaments come out of the frame, spill over the walls, flourish in space as an uncontrolled decoration. The decoration here is not to beautify — it is here to, on the one hand, make the visitor uncomfortable, and on the other, invite him to play and surrender to this "ornamental invasion". Dressing in the exhibits, the visitor does not even suspect that he himself becomes an object through the game of letting go, whereby his choice is, in fact, only an algorithmic reflex.
Mirna Rul
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Behind the brand and the artistic alias SALICULA is Nika Vrbica, born in Dubrovnik and with a master's degree in fashion design and painting. Nika combines her formal education and artistic vision to create a brand that connects fashion, fine arts and sustainability. Since 2019, SALICULA has been bringing a unique approach to design, pushing the boundaries between these disciplines and creating inspiring, environmentally conscious creations.
In addition to fashion creation, SALICULA is also recognized on the art scene. In parallel, Nika exhibits her painting works and art installations in renowned Zagreb galleries such as the Forum Gallery, the Cultural Information Center (KiC), the Šira Gallery and the Croatian Association of Artists (HDLU member since 2023). In doing so, she creates a unique dialogue between fashion and visual arts, while educating and inspiring the audience about the importance of sustainability in modern life. The motifs that can often be seen in Nika's work draw inspiration from nature, especially plants and the sea. Another aspect of combining art and clothing in Nika's work is costume design. For several years now, she has been the costume designer of the Synesthetic Project, a music performance ensemble led by Nika Bauman, with whom she has done a project at the National Austrian Library in Vienna in the past year (more on the link: Staged Concert | VergissMeinNicht! – Jeunesse Veranstaltung ) and in Berlin with an Arachne performance. Each piece of the SALICULA collection is produced with respect for the principles of sustainability, using recycled or natural materials, with special emphasis on quality and durability. The brand nurtures the philosophy that fashion is a tool for personal and artistic expression with responsibility towards the environment.
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 11.11.2025.
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 and Civil Society of the City of Zagreb.