IRWIN
IRWIN is a Slovenian artist collective established in 1983 that co-founded the controversial political art collective Neue Slowenische Kunst (NSK). Its members— Dušan Mandič, Miran Mohar, Andrej Savski, Roman and Borut Uranjek Vogelnik—define their own practice as « retro-principle » or « retro-avant-garde » and never sign their work individually. Although these artists are all primarily painters, they engaged in many projects with other NSK collectives, notably exploring with theater and music videos. In 1992, in collaboration with Michael Benson, they realized the performance Black Square on Red Square, unfolding a 22 meter wide square of black cloth on the Red Square in Moscow, paying homage to Kazimir Malevich and Suprematism. Their work was widely exhibited in major artistic events throughout the world, including Manifesta 9 in Genk, Belgium (2012) as well as many biennials : Porto Alegre, Brazil (2011), Taipei, Taiwan (2010 and 2008), Moscow, Russia (2009), Brussels, Belgium (2008), Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (2005), Istanbul, Turkey (2005 and 1997), Limerick, Ireland and Warsaw, Poland (2004), Venice (2003 and 1993), etc.) They were awarded the 2004 Jakopič Award, one of the highest distinctions in Slovene fine arts. IRWIN is represented by Galerija Gregor Podnar in Ljubljana, Slovenia and in Berlin.
