Antonija Ivanež (1923 - 2025)
Slovenian

Antonija`s paintings are observed with great interest not only by lovers of fine arts, but as well as lovers of botany. And everyone can see its beauty. To the lover of fine art the naively formed world of war memories, emotional ravishment for home land, authentic world of ornamentation can be revealed, while the botanist with surprise discovers plant seeds, leaves, roots, stalks, grinded fruits, etc. Namely, Antonija Ivanež has created her own creative work – »botanic paintings«.
»I have started making this paintings a year and a half ago. On my walks I collect flowers, leaves, seeds, stalks, catkins, fluffs, corn grains, everything that grows in nature. When collected everything is dried and when I have the time, I slowly start making paintings by gluing the material«, says Antonija.

On the foundation, which is made from textile or pasteboard, Antonija Ivanež assiduously glues dried plant parts into desired form. Every painting speaks for its self and to every painting she tries to give a piece of life. Because she has suffered a lot in war and she knows how to appreciate today’s moments is understandable she makes paintings that depict war and post war tragedy, with great love. It didn’t scare her to make Tito`s and Kardelj`s portraits.

»I have made more than 30 paintings. Most of them are kept with me«, says assiduous pensioner.