The author’s tribute to the magnificent queer culture, identity, and people who inspire and delight him with their presence, whose photographs he deems worthy of publication in the most stellar lifestyle magazines.
In his solo exhibition, Marijo Županov presents a fresh combination of his previous works, including Daddy Issues (2018–), Pod zalimanim (2022), and Drag oltarji (2023), supplemented by works in progress. These pieces continue his intimate documentation of life within the Ljubljana queer community, a subject that remains central to his personal and creative passions. Immersed in the vibrant club and fashion scenes, the author spotlights people, personas, and bodies who identify with or as queer. He views them as stars, whose eclectic clothing, behavior, occasional grandeur, fabulousness, eroticism, opulence, kitsch, and vivid use of colors, fabrics, and materials – combined with their sincerity, directness, sparkle, and charm – consistently inspire and delight him.
The title of the exhibition, Queer Issues, can be interpreted as the name of a glamorous lifestyle, culture, and fashion magazine, Queer Issue, celebrating and affirming the diversity and complexity of queer identity and (self-)expression. Simultaneously, the ambiguous title suggests that such a “queer dossier” or “queer affairs” remains a contentious topic within the mainstream, predominantly heteronormative society and politics, sparking debate and ideological clashes.
With a mischievous and playful approach, the artist’s work often challenges, questions, deconstructs, and reimagines established social patterns and conventional perceptions of gender-defined identities. Through his images, he delves into the social construction of identity and gender, while their striking aesthetics and occasional exaggerations bring an explosion of grandeur, expressiveness, and cheeky exuberance to the grey monotony of December days. Slay!
Marijo Županov (1989) graduated in photography from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana in 2014, where he is currently completing his master’s degree. Since 2020, he has held the status of self-employed in culture. Working as a freelance photographer, he specialises in fashion, architecture, entertainment, and portrait photography. Deeply rooted in the Ljubljana queer scene, which serves as a constant source of inspiration for his artistic practice, Županov has showcased his work both individually and as part of group exhibitions in Slovenia and abroad. His work has been featured in venues such as Club Tiffany, Škuc Gallery, and DobraVaga Gallery. He is based in Ljubljana.
Free admission.
2. 12. 2024–11. 1. 2025
Organization: Kino Šiška.
