The paintings of Nejc Zorenč fluctuate between modernist enthusiasm and postmodernist irony. Skilful, witty, and uninhibited, at times merely coincidental and organic, they navigate between hope and melancholy, empathy and apathy.
Constant observation and the absorption of surrounding phenomena result in the frequent production of painted vignettes that radiate direct excitement and innocent fascination, yet remain deeply ambiguous and cynical at their core. Individual works allow for multi-layered readings, typically conditioned by the viewer’s visual literacy; the depicted content and iconography often draw on internet phenomena, gaming, literature, local folklore, popular and urban culture, and the symbolism of consumerism. The titles of the works are equally telling, for example, Dopamine Maxing, Traditions of Violence, A Sigh from the Gods, Horny, Junkies, and Lifelong Quest, as is the depiction of instantly recognisable motifs, including an embroidered Slovenian carnation, the adorable Hello Kitty, a metallic butt plug, retail franchise logos, internet memes, and a referential echo of Gustave Courbet’s The Origin of the World. This combination of diverse works consistently enables either a sense of distancing or an experience of immersion; it offers a dynamic encounter, pleasure, and insight. The artist explores emerging human conditions through humour and absurdism, where every question triggers countless further reflections and tense expectations.
In this solo exhibition, the artist presents a series of paintings that oscillate between modernist enthusiasm and postmodern irony, between hope and melancholy, empathy and apathy. Through humour and absurdism, he explores the human condition, where every question triggers new ones.
Nejc Zorenč (2002) is an intermedia artist and painter working at the intersection of visual communications, street art, and painting. His practice explores collaboration, participatory practices, and collective creation, which is also reflected in his workshops and murals in public spaces. He has presented his work in solo exhibitions at MCŽ (2024) and the Night Window Display Gallery Pešak (2022), as well as in group exhibitions in Berlin, Piran, and Ljubljana, including Decaying Delights (La IchOrya, 2025), All Tomorrow’s Songs (Kuhlhaus, 2024), Fresh Fish and appointMENT (DobraVaga, 2023–2024), and Conglomerate (CMK and Apollonio Palace, 2024). He also participated in the performance Made in China at GalerijaGallery (2023). His work has received awards and been included in various projects, such as the Animateka festival (2020) and the Rotary Club Slovenia charity auction (2019). In addition to his artistic work, he leads street art and mural workshops for Alternative Ljubljana and collaborates on murals at Kino Šiška and AKC Metelkova.
Curated by: Maša Žekš
Free admission.
5. 5.–6. 6. 2026
Organisation: DobraVaga / Kino Šiška.
