Hugs and Kisses

Exhibited:
Kibla and the city of Maribor
Maribor 2012: European Capital of Culture
Feb. 14 – Dec. 31, 2012

Petra Varl: Hugs and Kisses

Petra Varl's signs with motifs of hugs and kisses will light our way and delight us from lampposts during Maribor’s tenure as the European Capital of Culture. In the , the author had already affixed a different series of her signs on traffic sign poles in various cities, albeit without the required permits, and so they were unfortunately not allowed to hang for very long. In contrast to traffic signs, which interdict, limit or command, her signs, this time affixed to lampposts, reveal to passersby various expressions of love, friendship and affection. Petra Varl tells her stories of kissing and hugging couples with a refined drawing in a clear artistic language. The artist invites us for a cheerful stroll and a playful discovery of city nooks that feature her newest signs. From thirty different locations these will address, encourage and embolden us towards our own hugs and kisses, right there in the middle of the sidewalk, on the crossing, under the arch, on the bridge or in the park. You’re cordially invited to Kibla for the mounting of The Smoker, the last sign of the present series.

Alenka Spacal, Ph.D

Exhibition photos