izv. prof. art. Igor Ruf

He was born in 1984 in Virovitica. He graduated in sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts in 2010, after which he actively participates in the art scene, presenting his works at numerous exhibitions. For his work so far, he has received several recognitions and awards, including the Vlastimir Kusik Award at the 29. Slavonian Biennale (2024), the Radoslav Putar Award (2014), the Grand Prix of the Triennial of Croatian Sculpture (2012) and the award of the 31. Youth Salon (2012). In addition to working as an artist, he is engaged in theater scenography and pedagogical work. He currently works as an associate professor at the Department of Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts. His works are in the Museum of the City of Virovitica, the Antun Augustinčić Collection in Klanjec and in private collections.

With his objects, sculptures, installations and performances, Igor Ruf explores the ways in which space, atmosphere and events can be shaped and interpreted, taking into account both material and intangible aspects of everyday life. In his work, he deals with the questioning of everyday life, where surreal motifs and everyday objects often coexist, creating new, unexpected connections that open up space for reflection and interpretation. In recent projects, the author focuses on the self-referential analysis of artistic production, questioning its meaning, conditions and role in the social and cultural context.

The focus of this group of subjects is on individual art projects, exploring different approaches to sculpture, with a special emphasis on the integration of other media such as sound, video and performance. Through this practice, an interdisciplinary approach is encouraged in which sculpture is expanded and enriched with other art forms, whereby students develop innovative and critically oriented projects.

2023 – "Soft Matter", Studio 21, Split 2022 – "Tikolo mikuze", MKC Amphitheater of the Youth Center, Split 2022 – "Acoustic turbo sonic momentum", Gallery 90-60-90, Pogon Jedinstvo, Zagreb 2022. – 57. Zagreb Salon: "We Have Emerged as a Strategy of Eternity", HDLU, Meštrović Pavilion, Zagreb 2022. – 29. Slavonian Biennale, Cultural Centre, Osijek ???? – "This Reality They Chased", Lectoure Center for Art and Photography, Lectoure (France) 2018 – "It's Nice for Me to Be Here", Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb 2018 – "Condor, que pasa?", Greta Gallery, Zagreb 2016 – "Hairdressing Salon for the Hill", Institute for Contemporary Art, Zagreb 2015 – "Sextant", Nurture Art Gallery, New York