Lujo Vodopivec was born in Slovenia in 1952. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lujbljana before completing his training at the New York Studio School. He now holds the position of Head of Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts Lujbljana.

Vodopivec's work combines strong sculptural elements with installation, as in the case of Parcours.Shown at the Tin Sheds Gallery, in association with the Slovenian Australian Institute, is the fourth and final fence in his 1999 retrospective installation Parcours.This work playfully commentates on the impossible circumstances faced by the everyman, circumstances that can sometimes lead to feelings of frustration and alienation.

The horse, parked on a cargo crate on wheels, in front of a colourful fence, is straining to expand in breadth. Everything is full of tension, expectation and uncertainty, expecting the great leap that never comes. And yet our stumpy equine seems confident, smiling benignly at the hurdle in front of him as if to say, "at this height it doesn't look so bad".

When originally shown in Lujbljana, Vodopivec led his 'horses' around the galllery with the help of a forklift. This purpose of this was to allow the viewer to interact with the work and become personally involved in the exhibition. Says Vodopivec, "we move the elements around so that we feel better, so that we feel relieved". Perhaps the real moral of this work is that, regardless of the impossibility of the situation, we can overcome (or in this case go around) any hurdle with just a little help.

Vodopivec has been exhibiting his works for the past thirty years. He has shown in many exhibitions throughout Eastern and Western Europe, and his works can be found in many important public and private collections.

Parcours will remain in Australia for the next twelve months, travelling to other venues, in association with the Slovenian Australian Institute. If you are interested in stabling Lujo's pony please contact Anita Lever at the institute on info@sloaus-inst.com

(Click on thumbnails for larger images)