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Mateja Kavčič is an academic painter (ALUO, Ljubljana) working in the fields of painting, drawing, spatial installations, and land art. She regularly exhibits in solo and group exhibitions both in Slovenia and abroad and participates in international artist residencies. Her works are included in several gallery collections, and she has received multiple awards for her artistic practice. In recent years, she has focused primarily on ephemeral spatial installations made from materials found in nature. Her natural installations address ecological themes and stand in stark contrast to contemporary times. Through prolonged, repetitive processes of handling natural materials, rituals, and meditation, her work rejects the superficiality of consumerism—serving no utilitarian purpose and ultimately leaving no trace. These works offer an escape from the fast-paced world, providing a refuge and a moment of calm for all the senses. They awaken a primal connection with nature, encouraging stillness and returning us to an essential, human state.
Vita Ivičič is a designer who completed her studies at Chelsea College of Art & Design in London. In 2017, she received the award for the most experimental and innovative collection at the Mittelmoda competition in Milan. She draws inspiration from nature and natural processes, transforming traditional techniques into contemporary designs. In her work, she primarily uses natural materials, occasionally recycling old ones, with a strong focus on high-quality and sustainable craftsmanship. Vita Ivičič creates garments from natural fabrics, which she dyes using plant-based pigments or prints using botanical printing techniques. Blooming flowers and plants serve as both her inspiration and artistic medium. Since 2022, she has been leading a project dedicated to the production of handwoven Bela krajina linen—overseeing the entire process from flax cultivation, harvesting, and fiber extraction to spinning and weaving. She also creates spatial installations using natural materials.
Both artists share a deep respect for nature and a commitment to the mindful use of its resources. Together or individually, they organize intergenerational gatherings where the tactile experience of working with fragrant natural materials fosters human connection, encourages the exchange of traditional knowledge, and strengthens bonds with nature and one another.
BIEN Workshop: A Picnic with Nature (Weaving seating mats from wetland grasses & botanical printing on fabric)
Participants will explore two traditional craft techniques—weaving seating mats from wetland grasses and botanical printing on fabric, where plant-based dyes will be used to create unique patterns and imprints of nature. The workshop will take place outdoors, allowing the creative process to unfold in a relaxed and immersive connection with the natural environment.
Photos:
Wetland grasses weaving workshop: Tadej Abram
