WALL PAINTNG IN THE ROZMAN STANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
WALL PAINTNG IN THE ROZMAN STANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
In the late 20th century, painter and illustrator Janez Vidic decorated many Maribor buildings with wall paintings fashioned in a variety of techniques. Many facilities were schools, for which he also adapted the motifs. His 1962 Youth composition is located in the staff room of the Franc Rozman Stane Elementary School. Vidic set in the foreground the figures of two schoolboys and a muscular horse, which may be interpreted as a symbol of youth and strength.
The composition expresses playfulness and a fairy tale-like quality, a fantasy world which the artist conveyed so well through numerous illustrations of stories for children and young people. The deep dark background contrasts with light golden accents and the thin lines of the filigreed drawing give the piece a magical appearance. It is an image of an intact, innocent world as seen by children, who are depicted in harmony with flora and fauna. A boy and a girl are running while playing, as a horse and birds observe the event.
The motif of children playing was also repeated by Vidic when creating the painting on the wall of another Maribor school, the Angel Besednjak Elementary School.
(Nike Duh, in the framework of the Creative Path to Knowledge project, Virtual guide; The investment is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Social Fund)
