30.05 — 30.07.2023

The scene is set: the finest and most cultured of animals, wearing their nicest powdered wigs – a symbol of refinement – have gathered for a banquet in the great barn.

The food is just about to be served and the clock about to strike 12:00, as the feast is disturbed by three incoming vultures. They descend with neck-breaking speed towards the center of the great table, aiming their sharp claws for the Chicken of Plenty in the basket of Cornucopia. Other animals, flustered by the sudden development, rush to save the chicken, some nearly fall off the banqueting table and some are too deeply asleep to notice anything.
The all-wise chicken simply stays put and stares piercingly at the viewer, calling to action. To save the culture and art. To save the chicken. (Uroš Topić).

ALLEGORIC TAPESTRY

ROCO(COCKS) is a large-scale tapestry, which interprets in an allegorical way the relationship people have with art and culture in their own country, the Republic of Slovenia.

Juxtaposing in a cheeky yet surprising way classical Renaissance and Rococo art with today's visual culture, Uroš Topić frames a banquet scene inside the image of a carton packaging of a popular Slovenian juice, filling the scene with various characters. In the center sits an imperturbable hen, looking fiercely at the viewer; the animal represents the country, as chickens, hens and cocks are usually associated with its physical shape, leading to Slovenia often being caricatured as a 'Mother Hen', dressed in a typical national costume.

a whirlwind of characters

The entire work is scattered with references to traditional Slovenian culture, with which aspects related to human rights issues of our contemporary society are interwoven, hidden within the work in the poses and expressions of the characters, like a great Renaissance fresco full of meanings to be deciphered. Past and present, heritage and progressive impetus combine in a contemporary allegory that first and foremost would be a calling to action to save the culture and art.

Each character was hand-drawn by Uroš, taking inspiration from traditional and folkloric motifs, styles and paintings of the past.

THE ARTIST

Uroš Topić is a young Slovenian fashion and textile designer, focusing on contemporary visions of historical garments, prints and jacquards.
His playful and often naughty interpretations of baroque fashions are meant to uplift the wearer without compromising on style, quality, or luxury. He calls attention to current social issues through his satirical use of historical imagery, mostly focusing on human rights, liberties and our right to the pursuit of happiness.

The project is part of