December 31, 2017
Things are pretty slow this coming week with regard to live performances, so the focus is on some of the exhibitions around town, as we all get back to work after a week or so of feasting and indulgence. However, please note that nearly all, if not all, galleries, museums and exhibition spaces will be closed on Monday as folk deal with their hangovers, assess their waistlines and bank balances, and prepare for the long mid-winter. Here’s hoping you keep warm and occupied with pleasant things this week, and we’ll see you again on the other side of the calendar.
CINEMA
The Last Jedi continues to play on the big screens at BTC, while in town the new movie of the week is Downsizing, which has it’s ‘avant premiere’ at 20:00 Thursday, January 4 at Kinodvor (more times here).
Meanwhile, Kinoteka (Miklošičeva cesta 28) is playing two modern classics from Asia, with Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams at 20:00 Wednesday (January 3), and Wong Kar-wai’s break-out hit in the West, 1994’s Chungking Express – ideal for fans of Hong Kong and the Mamas & Papas.
EXHIBITIONS
Note these will all be closed on Monday, January 1.
The Galerija Jakopič (Slovenska 9) continues its exhibition of works by Tihomir Pinter, the Croatian photographer known for his shots of everyday life in Yugoslavia, the first major retrospective of his works since the 1960s.
Another artist getting their first retrospective since the 60s is Marij Pregelj at the Moderna galerija’s main branch, near Tivoli. Well worth the entrance fee, this occupies several large rooms, with the the works from the last decade of the painter’s life being especially impressive. Highly recommended.
Students of architecture and others who appreciate perhaps the one unavoidable art can take a break from the streets and enjoy the work of Stanko Kristl at the Museum of Architecture & Design (Pot na Fužine 2), to the east of the city, in a comprehensive show entitled Humanity & Space.
The Cankerjev dom cultural centre is entering the last weeks of its exhibition Columbus’ Daughter Alma M. Karlin, which ends on January 14. To quote the website “Celje-born Alma M. Karlin (1889–1950), globetrotter, writer, amateur explorer, polyglot and theosophist, travelled all over the world between 1919 and 1927. She journeyed alone, for eight uninterrupted years, and earned her own livelihood en route….” The exhibition will tell this remarkable woman’s story, and show objects from her travels.
The Slovene Ethnographic Museum, at 2 Metelkova, continues with Afghanistan - Slovene Views, with around 400 items showing the culture of Afghanistan in the 19th and 20th centuries, including musical instruments, clothes and head coverings, jewellery, weapons, carpets and paintings.
MUSIC
On January 1, 18:00, the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir will be joined by Sebastian Bertoncelj on the cello to play a New Year’s Concert at Cankarjev dom, playing a programme of Russian music (details here).
The same day, at 20:00, a Beyoncé Tribute Band called Single Ladies will play a free show in Kongresni trg.
Las Cuerdas, with members from Slovenia, Argentina, and Cuba, will be playing Latin rock, reggae, ska, salsa rock, cumbia and more at Ljubljana Castle, January 5, starting at 20:00, and seems like just the kind of thing to lift the cold and get you ready for some New Year dance classes.
On January 5, a Saturday, Los Ventilos will play a show at Orto Bar, scheduled to run from 21:00 – 00:00.
OTHER
If you’re in town and want to Meet the Locals, then consider swinging by Ziferblat at 19:00 on January 3, or any other Wednesday, for an event with the same name, a great way to meet people by playing boards games, drinking tea or coffee, and just chilling out in one of the nicest spaces in town. Learn more about the place that's a favourite of many here.
