Shifts in the Canon

Already with its formation in 1955, the Ljubljana Biennial of Graphic Arts established a system of awarding international prizes modelled after larger fine art events. Following a tradition that still stands today, prior to the official opening, the prominent international jury members judge the exhibited works and, after deliberation, agree upon a list of the prize winners. For a large format event, which aims to – and must – garner the attention not only of the professional but also the general public, the opening protocol with the proclamation of the recipients of the prizes was formulated as one of the highlights of the Biennial’s activities. By the merit of the investment in advertising and media promotion, the event attracted interest, while the prizes provided the “temperament” and a certain positive tension on the exhibition opening.