English 
Slovenščina 
Five days, ten artists, twenty new works added to the remarkable collection of the Gallery of Naïve Artists Trebnje. One grand prize – awarded to Serbian artist Zoran Anđelković, three special recognitions for artistic achievements, and countless new memories.
With the donation of 20 new artworks and the announcement of the grand prize recipient, the 58th International Meeting of Naïve Artists Trebnje concluded on Saturday. This year’s gathering brought together ten artists from eight different countries in one of Slovenia’s youngest towns.
Zoran Anđelković has been creating art for over 35 years, drawing on a rich blend of history, mythology, and national heroes. He discovered his passion for painting in childhood, listening to stories of wars, heroism, and folk legends told by village elders. His art is not confined to traditional motifs; instead, he merges naive painting with elements of surrealism and fantasy. He has exhibited in France, Canada, the Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, Russia, and – expectedly – in Trebnje in 2027. His awarded work “The Miracle Tree” captivates with its primal power and rich symbolism: a masterfully depicted mighty oak, firmly rooted, with a lush crown stretching skyward – toward the stars and beyond, into the world of dreams.
“I was really surprised. I didn’t even think I would win the award. I’m happy that I’ll have an exhibition here. We came from all over – Spain, Serbia, Greece, Ukraine. We artists are like children – children at heart, though grown in years. This is also a time of bonding, where you get to know each other’s way of life, and how each soul remains imprinted on the artworks,” said the artist after the camp. He remains loyal to his village, honors the past and art, and finds joy in painting the stories of the Serbian people onto canvas.
Zoran Anđelković, Foto: Klemen Ceglar
In addition to the grand prize and solo exhibition, the Gallery’s expert committee awarded three special recognitions for outstanding artworks. Syrian artist Mariam Hussein, currently based in London, brought a Slovenian breakfast to a Syrian table; Greek self-taught painter Nikolaos Zarras conveyed the warmth of the Greek sun and a love for life; and Georgian naive artist Tan Ia evoked the spirit of Tbilisi – a city where cultures and people interweave.
Mariam Hussein, Foto: Klemen Ceglar
NIkolaos Zarras, Foto: Klemen Ceglar
Tan Ia, Foto: Klemen Ceglar
City / Grad / Ciudad: Urban Stories is a temporary exhibition that served as inspiration for participating artists during their creative process, alongside the other works exhibited in the gallery. For the first time in Trebnje, the following artists also created works: Stanislava Blagojević (Spain/Serbia), Vinko Bogataj (Slovenia), Nina Fedotova (Ukraine), Cristina Fonollosa (Spain), Adžana Modlitbová (Slovakia), and Dora Šalda (Slovenia).
On Saturday morning, the artists engaged with the public – especially children – in Trebnje Park, letting their imagination and inspiration flow. In the evening, during the event From Trebnje’s Basket, the winners of the special recognitions and the grand prize were announced, marking the conclusion of five days of creativity, discovery, and connection.
