ABOUT US

INSTITUTE ERGO SUM

The ERGO SUM Institute is a non-profit organisation operating in the general interest in contemporary art and culture. In cooperation with international partners, we develop theoretical and artistic creation, primarily in exhibition, education, and theory. The basic concept is to implement programmes in visual arts, performing arts, intermedia arts, theoretical research, and publishing. Programme activities include events in galleries and public spaces, group and solo exhibitions, installations, performances, project presentations, conferences, a publishing programme, publications of books and catalogues, and so on.

Through intensive international cooperation in the artist and theorist exchange programme, we seek to carry out top artistic and cultural programmes. We connect with related domestic and international institutions and strive for the constructive networking of various important stakeholders. Our guidelines relate to global art production researching major issues of contemporary society within ethical, political, aesthetic, and social contexts.

Provision and support for the Institute's art programmes

The ERGO SUM Institute participates in international programmes as an organiser, co-organiser, and partner in various art projects partly financed from EU funds and private European art funds. The Institute’s programmes are regularly funded and supported by cultural grants, donors, sponsors, private collectors, volunteers, and other art lovers.

What people say about Institute ERGO SUM

  • I love it! The artist work was amazing, unbelievable how deep thinking.

    Luka Smole-
  • Small gallery but with a great value.

    Tom Pisner-
  • We were blown away... just super!

    Tanja Novak-
  • Interesting points of views. Amazing!

    Stella Heinz-
  • Had a wonderful evening. Exhibition was fantastic!

    Oliver Henner-

ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE ERGO SUM

Accommodation in the art residency lasts from a few days up to two month. Invited artists are provided with an apartment and a working space in which their ideas can be brought to life. Artist -in- residence ERGO SUM program is dedicated to supporting artists regionally, nationally and internationally and promoting contemporary art. The residence is a place where artists work, conduct research and where exhibitions introduce a variety of contemporary art and social practices. The residence goal is to present art and artists in a way that enriches the community, through the creative process during open studios, exhibitions and educational programs.

The aims are:

  • to provide the artist with the time and space needed to create
  • to promote the role of the Artist-in-residence programmes as a vital part of the contemporary art practice
  • to stimulate the artist’s creative development and mobility and to promote intercultural understanding
  • to establish a new intellectual space
  • to promote the exchange of artists

 

Interested artists are asked to send us:

  • A short explanation why you chose the ERGO SUM residence
  • A brief presentation of the planned project
  • Examples of their work or address of their website and contact

For any further questions please contact us by email.

We Love Ideas

 

Ars longa, vita brevis.

KIRIBATI PAVILION - LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA

KIRIBATI PAVILION 2019

at the 58th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia

Pacific Time – Time Flies                                                                            

In Kiribati language Ana tai te Betebeke – E biribiri te tai

In the great vastness of the Pacific Ocean, the tiny island countries are barely noticeable on the map. One of these islands is the Republic of Kiribati, consisting of 33 paradise atolls with wonderful beaches. However, the rising ocean level caused by climate change is threatening the existence of Kiribati. The islands are in danger of disappearing into the Pacific Ocean forever.

The Republic of Kiribati Pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale reflects the endangered existence of the island country of Kiribati and the time we live in. According to Plato, in contrast to the impermanent nature of our world and objects within our world, forms and ideas are permanent. In the Kiribati Pavilion, you can see interlaced group artworks by 29 artists from different generation and genres of art. The presented art genres are: video, photography, interactive animation, performance, ready-made and installation. The artistic elements used in the artworks include sound, colour, light, space and material. The artist Kaeka Michael Betero uses photography and videos to represent the threat to homes and inhabitants. His authentic and genuine approach shows reality as it is. The Kairaken Betio Group uses dance to communicate their passion for life, dance and tradition. The elements of their performance are rooted in tradition in connection to modern performance approaches. Daniela Danica Tepes, a visual artist, connects all the artworks into an interactive installation in the form of a room in a Kiribati house, where the threat of inundation is ever present as the waves have already covered more than half of the window height. The room is filled with traditional items used by Kiribati inhabitants. The interactive installation turns on when visitors enter the room. As they move around the exhibition space, they awaken animated otherworldly dancers who mimic the visitors’ movements. This art project discusses the issue of climate change and is designed as a reflection between the artwork, human presence and space.

COMMISSIONER Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kiribati, Pelea Tehumu

CURATORS

Kautu Tabaka

Nina Tepes

EXHIBITORS

Kaeka Michael Betero

Daniela Danica Tepes

Kairaken Betio Performance Group; Teroloang Borouea, Neneia Takoikoi, Tineta Timirau, Teeti Aaloa, Kenneth Ioane, Kaumai Kaoma, Runita Rabwaa, Obeta Taia,Tiribo Kobaua, Tamuera Tebebe, Rairauea Rue, Teuea Kabunare, Tokintekai Ekentetake, Katanuti Francis, Mikaere Tebwebwe, Terita Itinikarawa, Kaeua Kobaua, Raatu Tiuteke, Kaeriti Baanga, Ioanna Francis, Temarewe Banaan, Aanamaria Toom, Einako Temewi, Nimei Itinikarawa, Teniteiti Mikaere, Aanibo Bwatanita, Arin Tikiraua.

For more information you are kindly invited to check our sidebar navigation menu: KIRIBATI PAVILION 2019

KIRIBATI PAVILION 2017

at the 57th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia

The art project ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS! / SINKING ISLANDS, UNSINKABLE ART reflects on the vulnerable position of its art, which has preserved throughout history the unique and primal nature of culture and customs. The mere existence of the island country of Kiribati is under threat – due to the effects of climate change, it is in danger of disappearing into the Pacific Ocean. Kiribati is a country in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, consisting of 33 paradise atolls with beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, in recent decades, the water has been inescapably taking back the land, day after day, year after year. Even though Kiribati culture is vulnerable to the dangers of the Pacific Ocean, it will never be forgotten. In accordance with the tradition, it will be passed onto future generations. Their dance and songs are more than just culture or art, they are their way of living. With singing and dancing, they honour life, which is fleeting, but they constantly transfer their knowledge to those who follow, and with it their identity which is closely tied to their traditional art, since in the end, art is what remains forever. Ars Longa, Vita Brevis!

Participating performers: 

Performance group Kairaken Betio

Performers are (b. different ages-generations, Republic of Kiribati): Teroloang Borouea, Neneia Takoikoi, Tineta Timirau, Teeti Aaloa, Kenneth Ioane, Kaumai Kaoma, Runita Rabwaa, Obeta Taia, Tiribo Kobaua, Tamuera Tebebe, Rairauea Rue, Teuea Kabunare, Tokintekai Ekentetake, Katanuti Francis, Mikaere Tebwebwe, Terita Itinikarawa, Kaeua Kobaua, Raatu Tiuteke, Kaeriti Baanga, Ioanna Francis, Temarewe Banaan, Aanamaria Toom, Einako Temewi, Nimei Itinikarawa, Teniteiti Mikaere, Aanibo Bwatanita, Arin Tikiraua.

Performance group Kairaken Betio are maintaining the old tradition of the Republic of Kiribati with the traditional and modern performances. They are devoted to dance and preservation of their Kiribati traditions. They are performing around the Pacific countries

 Performance group Ngaon Nareau

Performers are (b. different ages-generations, Republic of Kiribati): Teata Tetoki, Raakai Ianibata, Taorobwa Bakatokia, Tekaei Kaairo, Nabiri Kaaraiti, Abetena Itaaka, Bwobwaka Bwebwere.

Performance group Ngaon Nareau are maintaining the old traditions of Republic of Kiribati which has been preserved for hundreds of years. Through singing traditional songs they are maintaining the original Kiribati language. They are devoted to singing and preservation of their Kiribati traditions. They are performing around the Pacific countries

 Visual Artist

Daniela Danica Tepes

Visual artist Daniela Danica Tepes is known for the illusion of duality because her works are always suggesting that nothing is as it seems at first glance. The visual artist leaves the viewer to develop his own feelings while he is involved in the highly spiritual and parallel virtual world that she has created.

 

For more information you are kindly invited to check our sidebar navigation menu: KIRIBATI PAVILION 2017

Thursday 3 October 2019 - Tuesday 3 December 2019 International Art Exhibition ``Between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans 2019`` (Location: Kiribati National Museum and Cultural Centre

Saturday 11 May 2019 - Sunday 27 November 2019 Kiribati Pavilion at 58th La Biennale di Venezia (Location: Palazzo Mora - European Cultural Centre)

Wednesday 8 May 2019 at 10:30 pm Q&A with Nina Tepeš about Kiribati Pavilion - Palazzo Bembo (Riva del Carbon 30124 Venezia) - within the European Cultural Academy

Saturday 13 May 2017 - Sunday 26 November 2017 Kiribati Pavilion at 57th La Biennale di Venezia (Location: Palazzo Mora - European Cultural Centre)

Wednesday 28 September 2016 Exhibition DDT- Baseco die! So that I may live. Within 15. Slovenian Festival of NGOs LUPA (assistance in raising awareness of human trafficking to The Centre for the Legal Protection of Human Rights Koper).

Friday 24 June 2016- Kiribati National Cultural Centre And Museum Solo Exhibition ``Where do we go from here (next invitation to the COP 2065)`` (Artist DDT) Institute ERGO SUM Production

June 2016 Institute ERGO SUM visiting The Republic of Kiribati

Saturday 16 January 2016 to Monday 15 February 2016Solo Exhibition``Islands of Kiribati``(DDT)

Saturday 10 October 2015 to Sunday 8 November 2015Solo Exhibition – Where do We go From Here ( Artist DDT)

Thursday 17 September 2015 at 4pm Children's workshop: Creating with recycled materials

Monday 10 August 2015 at 8pmA presentation/conversation - Various pitfalls in the exhibition policies of our time (A group of young artists)

Tuesday 28 July 2015 at 8pmLecture - Develop the ability to adapt it to thematic exhibitions (A group of young artists)

Monday 18 May 2015 at 8pmLecture - From idea to realization -motivating the young entrepreneurs (Nina Tepeš)

Monday 11 May 2015 at 8pmA presentation/conversation - How to exhibit young artists (A group of young artists)

ARTISTS

Artists:

-Visual artist: DANIELA DANICA TEPES

– Visual artist SANJA VATIĆ

-Artist KAEKA MICHAEL BETERO

-Performance group: KAIRAKEN BETIO

-Performance group:NGAON NAREAU

 

DANIELA DANICA TEPES

Daniela Danica Tepes is born in Slovenia in 1963, she is a visual artist who lives and works in Ljubljana and also in Berlin.
Her artistic gift was first noticed by her art teacher Ratimir Puselj, who also taught her in the years 1978-1981 and 1987-1989. His influence on her artistic development can be seen in her earliest works of art. She continued her study in Ljubljana, graduating from the Academy of Visual Arts in Ljubljana. The academic period at the Academy of Visual Arts also left a powerful influence on her artistic expression, especially the study of the theory of radical critical analysis, since all her artistic stance arises from a radical critical analysis.
Different life events have led her to work in the art under the pseudonym since 1979, due to what kind of event she was forced to use it. She started using her real name later, for the first time at the exhibition Diversity of Views, Academy of Fine Arts in Ljubljana at the European Union House in Ljubljana in 2009 with her artwork entitled “Who is Brainwashing us?” She exhibits internationally, like in Europe, Oceania and Asia. She is being recognized for her activism and work of arts, through which she draws attention to crimes against humanity and the environment. Her visual expression follows a multidisciplinary approach including video, interactive video, interactive animation, film, installation, photography, computer imaging a combination of 2D and 3D, drawing/sketching, painting and modelling. The aim and focus of the method of visual expression are chiefly to involve and combine a range of artistic practices and the latest media in the context of the visual component. She is known for creating works of art that indicate duality.

Art Work

Collages: She began to make collages and drawings from magazines and political commercials in 1979. With collages, she expresses various opinions and impressions related to different historical events.

Baseco Die! So That I may Live: Is a project that she started to research in 2009. She researched today’s modern slavery. Tepes explored and researched Baseco Slum in the Philippines, the place where the local official’s estimate that about 3,000 kidneys have been sold. For that reason, the place has been nicknamed the » Kidney less Islands«.

Venice Biennale 2017: Daniela Danica Tepes represented Kiribati Pavilion with art project ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS / SINKING ISLANDS, UNSINKABLE ART at the 57th International Art Exhibition, Viva Arte Viva, La Biennale di Venezia 2017. In dialogue with two local performances Kairaken Betio Group and Ngaon Nareau Group she intertwines the traditional arts with contemporary approaches to art.

Other works: Since the mid-1980s Tepes has created a number of colleges, assemblages, mixed media, interactive installations, new media art.

Collections: collection Contemporary Artists from Slovenia; Voices of Transition, collection Kiribati National Cultural Centre and Museum Tarawa and in many private collections.

 

SANJA VATIC

CV

Sanja Vatić, born 1979 in Ljubljana. Graduated in 2013 at AVA – Academy of Visual Arts, Ljubljana. She works as an assistant and program coordinator at AVA. In years 2004-2008 she worked as an assistant and production designer on various commercial and artistic videos and films. Later on she started to participate in theatre productions as a production designer, light designer and director, as well as taking part in the field of fine art as an individual artist.

Artist Statement

As an interdisciplinary artist, working in the field of theatre, film and fine art I like to explore various artistic expressions, medias and techniques. Working and combining different media allows me to address each matter differently in the media I find most suitable for to bringing attention to the problematic I am dealing with. The content of my work usually takes a critical view of social, political and cultural issues in which I explore how different historical or current events impact and shape today’s society, their consciousness and reality.

 

KAEKA MICHAEL BETERO

Kaeka Michael Betero ( b.1989, Tarawa, Kiribati) is an artist living and working in Tarawa, Kiribati. He is working at the Museum and Culture Center in Bikenibeu, Kiribati as a Multimedia/IT.  His photography and videos have been exhibited in the Museum and Culture Center in Bikenibeu. The aim of his photography is to show the daily life of the people of the Republic of Kiribati. Every year The Museum and Culture Centre have two major events, for which he is responsible to record.

Performance group KAIRAKEN BETIO

Performers are (b. different ages-generations, Republic of Kiribati):

Teroloang Borouea, Neneia Takoikoi, Tineta Timirau, Teeti Aaloa, Kenneth Ioane, Kaumai Kaoma, Runita Rabwaa, Obeta Taia, Tiribo Kobaua, Tamuera Tebebe, Rairauea Rue, Teuea Kabunare, Tokintekai Ekentetake, Katanuti Francis, Mikaere Tebwebwe, Terita Itinikarawa, Kaeua Kobaua, Raatu Tiuteke, Kaeriti Baanga, Ioanna Francis, Temarewe Banaan, Aanamaria Toom, Einako Temewi, Nimei Itinikarawa, Teniteiti Mikaere, Aanibo Bwatanita, Arin Tikiraua.

Performance group Kairaken Betio is maintaining the old tradition of the Republic of Kiribati with the traditional and modern performances. They are devoted to dance and preservation of their Kiribati traditions. They are performing around the Pacific countries. Consists of about 20 young teenage boys and girls.

Year of establishment, 17th December 2012

 

Competition has been attended:

Kiribati Independence Open Dance, Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati (2013);

Kiribati Independence Open Dance, Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati (2014);

Kiribati Independence Open Dance, Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati (2015);

Kiribati Independence Open Dance, Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati (2016);

Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, Hagattina, Guam (2016)

Performance Group NGAON NAREAU

Performers are (b. different ages-generations, Republic of Kiribati):

Teata Tetoki, Raakai Ianibata, Taorobwa Bakatokia, Tekaei Kaairo, Nabiri Kaaraiti, Abetena Itaaka, Bwobwaka Bwebwere.

Performance group Ngaon Nareau are maintaining the old traditions of Republic of Kiribati which has been preserved for hundreds of years. Through singing traditional songs they are maintaining the original Kiribati language. They are devoted to singing and preservation of their Kiribati traditions. They are performing around the Pacific countries

 Year of establishment, 13TH June 2007

 

Competition has been attended:

Independence Dancing Competition, Tarawa, Kiribati (2014);

Independence Dancing Competition, Tarawa, Kiribati (2015);

Independence Dancing Competition, Tarawa, Kiribati (2016);

13th Pacific Festival of Arts and Culture, Hagattina, Guam (2016)

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