"Controversial Art Collective NSK (Neue Slowenische Kunst) to be Dublin During European Enlargement Celebrations"
2004-04-29 until 2004-05-05
Art Projects Network
Dublin, , IE Ireland

The Art Projects Network, Dublin, Ireland and Controversial Art Collective, NSK (Neue Slowenische Kunst) will open a series of events in Dublin to coincide with the celebrations taking place to make the enlargement of the Europe Union. The NSK appropriation of political commentary and their creation of a "micro-model" of a state structure is particularly suitable to this moment in time of the bringing together of nations within the European Union.

Their specific emphasis on statehood gives their work an enduring message and metaphor for Europe. NSK serves a useful purpose within the changed geo-political environment, and provides an out of the ordinary cultural experience for Dublin at this time. NSK offers both a critical and celebratory experience that can promote the depth of the newly enlarged Pan-European cultural experience, describing both the differences and commonalities that lie between the East and the West.

In 1984 Laibach established (together with Irwin group of painters and the Scipion Nasice Sisters Theatre group) the NSK (Neue Slowenische Kunst). Underground Slovene musicians, painters, actors and designers working collectively under the organisation with a German name producing provocative and influential work as they began addressing the nationalist aspirations surfacing in Yugoslavia.

June 25th 1991 Slovenia declared itself independent that led to a 10-day war with the Yugoslavian military. The war moved on more destructively through the rest of former Yugoslavia. In 1992 the NSK redefined itself from an organisation to a state, a state within time and not within boundaries. This new state was declared in 1994 and passports issued for this new and first non-geographic state in time.

Neue Slowenische Kunst (NSK) continues to be a controversial political arts collective. Using ideologies and methods previously employed by 20th century totalitarian states, NSK has developed a unique approach to multiple art disciplines. Operating as a collective, NSK appropriates and re-styles collectivism, state organization of ideology and orchestrated political myth/ritual to expose and critique these mechanisms. The various groups of the NSK take part both individually and collectively in actions around the world.

With the multi-disciplinary cultural events, outlined in the programme of The Art Projects Network - including the Noordung Theatre Company (presented by Mladinsko Theatre), Irwin, Laibach, New Collective, Department of Pure and Applied Philosophy, and the NSK film screening - there is an excellent opportunity for Ireland to explore the many manifestation of this important historical Slovenian experience that has contributed so much to international contemporary culture.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Ireland

Other Important Exhibitions in Dublin