Wall Art • Ljubljančanka Slovenska Hiša
Project Brief
Client: Ljubljančanka (Slovenska Hiša)
Commissioned Artist: Nibera Visuals
Objective: Enhance the restaurant’s interior with a series of artworks that transcend decoration, serving as visual storytelling elements featuring remarkable Slovenian women, culture, nature, and heritage.
Concept & Approach:
- Each piece carries a story, enriching the space with cultural depth.
- Inspired by Slovenia’s rich history, iconic architecture, natural landscapes, and influential Slovenian women.
- Seamlessly blending storytelling with visual artistry to create a cohesive narrative within the restaurant.
- Showcasing the geographical regions of Slovenia: Osrednjeslovenska, Dolenjska, Gorenjska, Štajerska, and Primorska, creating a diverse representation of the country’s heritage.
The project includes large-scale murals, seamlessly transferred to the walls using the tattoo wall technique, along with a curated selection of framed artworks designed to evolve within the space. Each piece tells a story, discover the narratives behind the art below.
About Ljubljančanka (Slovenska Hiša)
In the heart of Ljubljana, Ljubljančanka (Slovenska Hiša) continues the tradition of homemade cuisine, preserving authentic Slovenian flavors. More than just a restaurant, it is a tribute to Slovenian heritage and the women who shaped its history. A place where stories, tradition, and a love for local dishes come together, every plate serves a piece of history, crafted from carefully selected local ingredients. The name Ljubljančanka — meaning “a woman from Ljubljana” — honors the city’s deep connection to its inspiring women.
Artworks and Their Stories
1. A Brief History of Ljubljana
The first piece presents a visual timeline of Ljubljana’s history, tracing its evolution from 14 AD, when the Roman city of Emona was established, through key historical milestones. It highlights significant events such as:
Emonski Meščan – Statue of Emonec (Early 2nd Century AD)
The Emonski meščan is a bronze statue from the early 2nd century AD, representing a Roman citizen of Emona (the Roman predecessor of Ljubljana).
Ljubljana Castle (1112)
The first documented mention of Ljubljana Castle, an iconic fortress that has overseen the city’s development for centuries.
Cathedral of St. Nicholas (1461)
The foundation of Ljubljana’s prominent cathedral, later reconstructed in Baroque style.
Primož Trubar (1508)
The father of the Slovenian language, Trubar was born in 1508 and spent much of his life working in Ljubljana, where he wrote and published the first books in Slovene.
Church of the Annunciation (1646)
One of Ljubljana’s most recognizable landmarks, this Baroque church stands in Prešeren Square.
Robba Fountain (1751)
Designed by Francesco Robba, this fountain is one of Ljubljana’s most famous Baroque monuments, inspired by Roman designs.
France Prešeren (1800)
Slovenia’s national poet, born in 1800, left a lasting cultural legacy. His statue in Prešeren Square remains one of Ljubljana’s most iconic landmarks.
Ljubljana Tram (1901)
The city introduced its first tram system in 1901, operating until 1958 when it was replaced by buses.
Prešeren Monument (1905)
Erected in honour of France Prešeren, this monument is a cultural and historical symbol of the city.
Triple Bridge (1932)
One of Ljubljana’s most famous landmarks, the Triple Bridge was redesigned by Jože Plečnik, one of the most important architects from Ljubljana. He transformed the original stone bridge into a unique three-part structure, blending classical and modern architectural elements to enhance the city’s urban landscape.
Nebotičnik (1933)
This early high-rise was the tallest residential building in Yugoslavia at the time and remains a striking part of Ljubljana’s skyline.
Occupied Ljubljana (1942)
During World War II, Ljubljana was occupied by Axis forces and surrounded by barbed wire, an event remembered with a dedicated memorial path.
Renault 4 – “Katrca” (1961)
A popular car in Slovenia, the Renault 4 became an icon of Ljubljana’s automotive culture.
TR3 Building (1976)
A modernist skyscraper associated with the Iskra company, reflecting the architectural trends of socialist-era Ljubljana.
2. The Spirit of Gorenjska
The second piece highlights Gorenjska region (Upper Carniola), a picturesque region of Slovenia, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It features the Gorenjska narodna noša (traditional national costume of Gorenjska), a symbol of the region’s folk traditions.
The artwork showcases iconic landmarks and natural wonders, including Bled Castle, Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park, the Julian Alps, and Triglav with Aljaž Tower. It also pays tribute to the region’s wildlife with the Capricorn statue and celebrates Slovenia’s national symbols; the Carnation (nagelj) and the edelweiss (Planika) flower.
3. Ivana Kobilica and Kofetarica: Roadtripping Through Ljubljana
This piece pays tribute to Ivana Kobilica, Slovenia’s most important female painter and a true ”Ljubljančanka”. As a prominent figure of Slovenian realism, she belonged to a generation of artists who shaped the country’s artistic landscape in the late 19th century. Though she spent much of her life abroad, her greatest contributions to Slovenian art were created during this period. She specialized in figurative painting, portraiture, and genre scenes depicting both rural and bourgeois life. Later in her career, she focused on floral still lifes, adapting to the rise of photography, which had diminished the demand for traditional portraiture.
Kobilca’s works evolved over time, influenced by Munich studio painting, French plein-air realism, and the Munich Modern style. She exhibited at the Paris Salon multiple times, becoming the first Slovenian artist to do so after Jurij Šubic. Her legacy was further cemented when she became the only woman featured on Slovenia’s banknotes, appearing on the 5000 tolar note. Today, her name lives on through a memorial plaque in Ljubljana, a street named after her, and a monument in Podbrezje.
To honor Ivana Kobilica’s connection to Ljubljana, I depicted her alongside a character from her most famous painting, “Kofetarica” (The Coffee Drinker), seated together in a vintage car as they drive through the heart of the city; a surreal fusion of history, art, and the timeless spirit of Ljubljana.
4. Melania Trump’s Slovenian Roots: A Tribute to Dolenjska
This piece pays tribute to Melania Trump, the American First Lady and one of the most internationally recognized Slovenian women. Born in Novo Mesto, in the Dolenjska region, Melania’s journey from a small Slovenian town to the global stage is a remarkable story of ambition and success.
In the artwork, she is depicted wearing the traditional Dolenjska narodna noša (Folk costume of the Dolenjska region), symbolizing her roots. She also carries “suha roba“, a traditional item from the Ribnica that represents the rich cultural heritage of the region. This item, often associated with Ribniška woodcraft, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the depiction of her homeland.
The foreground of the artwork features a Slovenian vineyard, a hallmark of the Dolenjska region, with iconic landmarks like Otočec Castle and Novo Mesto in the background, enhancing the beauty and history of the area where Melania was born and raised.
This piece honors her story and the heritage that shaped her, while also celebrating the region’s natural beauty and cultural traditions.
5. Milena Zupančič on a Skiing Vacation in Bled
This piece pays tribute to Milena Zupančič, one of Slovenia’s most celebrated actresses. Born in Jesenice, in the Gorenjska region, she grew up in Bohinjska Bela and later studied in Jesenice, where she discovered her passion for acting. I depicted her in the picturesque Gorenjska landscape, with Lake Bled and the majestic Triglav mountain in the background.
Milena Zupančič made her film debut in Oxygen but became widely known for her iconic roles in Cvetje v jeseni and Vdovstvo Karoline Žašler. Over nearly four decades, she has captivated audiences on stage, film, and television, earning numerous accolades, including multiple Golden Arena awards, the Borštnik Ring (1999), and the Prešeren Award (1993) for her lasting contribution to Slovenian culture.
Beyond acting, she served as a UNICEF ambassador and was recognized for her artistic achievements with honors such as the Golden Order of Merit (2016) and the Badjura Award for lifetime achievement (2022). In 2023, she was named Slovenka leta (Slovenian Woman of the Year), cementing her legacy as a cultural icon.
6. Zvezdana Mlakar, Kurent and Ptuj
This piece pays tribute to the renowned Slovenian actress Zvezdana Mlakar. Born in Ptuj, she studied acting at AGRFT in Ljubljana and became a member of the Ljubljana Drama Theatre in 1987. She has starred in numerous films, TV series, and theater productions and has hosted the talk show Zvezdana since 2015.
I depicted her in her birth-town, dressed in a Kurent costume, representing Ptuj’s most famous tradition—Kurentovanje. Kurents, with their sheepskin coats, bells, and horned masks, symbolically chase away winter and bring prosperity. In the background, Ptuj Castle rises above a field of carnations, Slovenia’s national flower.
7. Ita Rina, Lipicanec and Piran
This piece honors Ita Rina, one of the few Slovenian actresses to gain international fame. Born in Divača in 1907, she rose to stardom in European cinema under the name Ita Rina, achieving success with films like Erotikon (1929). Despite her promising career, she later stepped away from acting after marriage.
I depicted her in the Primorska region alongside a Lipicanec horse, Slovenia’s prestigious breed, first developed in Lipica in 1580. Renowned for its elegance, the breed is closely linked to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. In the background, the coastal town of Piran completes the scene, highlighting her roots in Slovenia’s Coastal region.
8. Pavla Jesih in the Julian Alps
This piece pays tribute to Pavla Jesih, a pioneering Slovenian mountaineer and entrepreneur. She was a trailblazer in Slovenian alpinism, achieving 18 first ascents in major peaks, including Triglav, Škrlatica, and Jalovec. In 1945, she famously climbed the central Triglav pillar (now Čop’s pillar) with Joža Čop.
Beyond mountaineering, she was also a cinema owner, running the largest chain of theaters in pre-war Yugoslavia. After WWII, her theaters were nationalized, and she spent her later years as a caretaker in mountain huts.
I depicted her in the Julian Alps, with Bohinj Lake and Triglav Lakes in the background, honoring her deep connection to Slovenia’s mountains.
9. Slovenka
This piece honors Slovenian women and traditional folklore attire. The lady is dressed in narodna noša, representing Slovenia’s rich cultural heritage. The background features the capital city of Slovenia – Ljubljana, with the Kamnik-Savinja Alps adding depth to the scene. Carnation flowers, a national symbol of Slovenia, are also depicted, further emphasizing Slovenian identity and tradition.
10. Girls of Gorenjska
This piece features women dressed in the traditional Gorenjska narodna noša, the national costume of Upper Carniola (Gorenjska). The Gorenjska costume is part of the broader Alpine costume tradition, still cherished and celebrated in Alpine communities across France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. The term Gorenjska means “the highlands,” reflecting the region’s mountainous terrain.
In the background, you can see Lake Bled and the iconic Triglav Mountain, highlighting the natural beauty of this region.
11. Nostalgic Ljubljana
This piece captures the essence of Ljubljana’s historic old town, the very heart of Slovenia’s capital. It highlights the iconic Triple Bridge, an architectural masterpiece designed by Jože Plečnik, which gracefully connects the three parts of the city center. Prominent landmarks such as the Prešeren Monument, dedicated to the beloved Slovenian poet France Prešeren, and the Robba Fountain, a stunning Baroque creation by Francesco Robba, add to the city’s rich cultural heritage. The famous Dragon Bridge symbolizes Ljubljana’s legendary dragon, a symbol of strength and protection, while Julija Statue pays tribute to the poet’s muse and love.
In the background, the majestic Ljubljana Castle stands atop a hill, overlooking the city. The Kamnik-Savinja Alps serve as a natural backdrop, completing the serene yet dynamic view of this historical city, where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
12. Echoes of Ljubljana: Architecture, Anthem, and Identity
This piece is a tribute to Ljubljana’s rich architectural heritage and Slovenia’s national identity, encapsulating the spirit of the country through both its physical landmarks and its cultural symbols. At the heart of the artwork is the Zdravljica, the Slovenian national anthem, which evokes themes of unity, freedom, and national pride. The song, written by the iconic poet France Prešeren, has become a symbol of Slovenian culture and independence, deeply intertwined with the history of the nation.
13. The Dragon, Rog Bikes, and Metka Gabrijelčič
This piece honors Metka Gabrijelčič, the renowned Slovenian actress best known for her roles in the iconic films Vesna and Ne Čakaj Na Maj. Born in Ljubljana, she is depicted in her hometown, sitting atop a hill with a stunning view of Prešeren Square in the background. In this artwork, Rog bikes are also featured, paying tribute to an important part of Ljubljana’s history. Rog bikes, produced in the city, have long been a symbol of Ljubljana’s industrial legacy and the local culture. This piece celebrates both Metka’s contribution to Slovenian cinema and the enduring impact of Rog bikes on the city’s identity.
In the sky, the dragon can be seen flying over the city: an iconic symbol and mythological creature of Ljubljana. The dragon has deep roots in local legend and history, often associated with the founding of the city. According to one of the most popular myths, Jason and the Argonauts passed through the area on their journey to find the Golden Fleece. Jason defeated a terrible dragon that lived in a marsh near the Ljubljanica River, and the dragon became a symbol of strength and protection for the city. Today, the dragon is a prominent feature of Ljubljana’s cultural identity, famously appearing on the Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most), built in 1901, and it remains a beloved symbol of the city.
14. Katrca: The Renault 4 and Slovenian Automotive Heritage
This piece is a tribute to the Renault 4, affectionately known as Katrca in Slovenia. The Renault 4 is one of the most iconic cars of the last half-century. In Slovenia, the name Katrca evokes a sense of nostalgia for many drivers. Many people drove it in their youth, or it was the family car of their parents. The car was also manufactured in the Novo Mesto Revoz plant, where long waiting lists were once common. When the Renault 4 reached its 50th anniversary in 2011, around 1,500 of them were still registered in Slovenia. The Renault 4 remains a beloved symbol of practicality and a significant part of Slovenian automotive history.
15. Landmarks of Slovenia
This piece captures the essence of Slovenia by featuring some of its most iconic landmarks, blending historical, cultural, and natural beauty into one artwork. In the foreground, the famous Dragon Bridge stands proudly, symbolizing Ljubljana’s rich history, while Prešeren Square — the heart of Slovenia’s capital — adds a touch of elegance and culture. A Kurent from Ptuj, a beloved figure tied to the traditional Kurentovanje festival, adds a playful and cultural element, highlighting Slovenia’s vibrant folklore.
Behind this lively scene, Ljubljana Castle, perched atop a hill, oversees the city, providing a sense of history and grandeur. Further back, the tranquil waters of Lake Bled, with its picturesque island and church, invite a sense of serenity and beauty that has drawn visitors for centuries.
Beyond Bled, the piece extends to Slovenia’s stunning Slovene riviera, where the charming coastal city of Izola nestles by the sea. The bright blue waters of the Adriatic contrast with the lush greenery of the region. In the distance, the majestic Triglav Mountain, Slovenia’s highest peak, stands tall and proud, symbolizing the spirit of the nation and the natural grandeur of the Slovenian landscape. This artwork brings together the diverse facets of Slovenia, from its rich history and culture to its breathtaking natural beauty.
16. Monuments of Slovenia
This piece showcases some of the most significant monuments and statues across Slovenia, each holding a special place in the country’s rich history and culture. At the forefront stands the Prešeren Monument in Ljubljana, dedicated to Slovenia’s national poet, France Prešeren, a central figure in the country’s literary history. Nearby, the Robba Fountain, designed by the renowned architect Francesco Robba, adds to the city’s Baroque charm.
In the stunning Bohinj region, a monument commemorates the area’s rich cultural heritage, while the Spomenik štirim srčnim možem (Monument to the Four Heart Men) honors the lives and legacies of notable figures. The Ibex statue from Kranjska Gora represents Slovenia’s connection to nature and wildlife, particularly the native ibex, while the Kip Satira (Satyr Statue), created by the famous Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar, pays tribute to the complexity of human nature.
In the capital, Ljubljana, the Vodnik Monument stands as a tribute to the influential poet and teacher, Anton Vodnik, an important figure in Slovenian education. And, of course, the iconic Dragon Bridge in Ljubljana features the legendary Dragon Statue, one of the city’s most recognizable symbols, embodying the strength and mythical heritage of Slovenia.
These monuments and statues collectively represent the essence of Slovenia’s historical, artistic, and cultural identity.
17. Alpine Slovenia
This piece is a heartfelt tribute to the majestic Slovenian Alpine world and the renowned Triglav National Park, a natural treasure that is at the heart of Slovenia’s rugged beauty. The artwork captures the breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks that define this remarkable region.
Prominently featured is Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia, towering at 2,864 meters and standing as a national symbol, representing the strength and resilience of the Slovenian people. Nearby, Aljažev Stolp (Aljaž’s Tower) is depicted, an iconic mountaineering hut perched on the summit of Triglav.
The tranquil beauty of Lake Bled and the medieval Bled Castle are also part of this composition, where the sparkling waters of the lake reflect the surrounding peaks and the castle stands guard over this picturesque landscape. Lake Bohinj, with its crystal-clear waters, is another important feature, nestled in the heart of the Alps and offering a serene escape amidst the towering mountains.
Together, these elements highlight the rugged yet serene allure of Slovenia’s Alpine region, rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural significance. From the serene lakes to the towering peaks, this artwork celebrates the diverse and awe-inspiring landscape of the Slovenian Alps, where nature and heritage intertwine.
18. Heart of Ljubljana
This piece captures the vibrant heart of Ljubljana, featuring its most iconic landmarks. At the forefront, the Triple Bridge connects the old town with the city center, leading to Prešeren Square and the Prešeren Monument, dedicated to Slovenia’s national poet. The Dragon Bridge with its legendary dragon statues symbolizes the city’s mythical past.
In the background, Ljubljana Castle stands proudly atop a hill, offering panoramic views and representing the city’s rich history. The blend of historical and modern architecture defines Ljubljana’s unique charm.
Rising in the distance, Triglav Mountain, Slovenia’s highest peak, symbolizes the nation’s strength and pride, completing the portrait of this dynamic, beautiful city.
