The 6th International Ceramic Triennial UNICUM 2026 X Center Rog: Beyond Use

This edition of the triennial is the first to systematically include the field of design and functional ceramics. The exhibition brings together works that reconsider the relationship between form, function and material – from tableware and domestic objects to lighting, interior elements and hybrid objects.

The selection was based on an international open call that received more than 140 applications from 34 countries. The international jury—Rok Oblak, Susanne Jøker Johnsen, and Ann Van Hoey—selected works that stand out for their innovation, material research, and engagement with contemporary ways of living.

The exhibition builds on an understanding of ceramics as a medium that extends beyond utility. Objects are not conceived solely as responses to functional needs but as carriers of relationships between body and material, user and space, and process and time. In this context, utility becomes one layer of meaning rather than its defining measure.

Polish focus: Forms of Meaning

The Polish focus Forms of Meaning presents a selection of ten contemporary Polish artists and designers. It is curated by Mika Drozdowska (BWA Wrocław) and developed in collaboration with the Adam Mickiewicz Institute and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Slovenia.

The presented works emerge from a specific context in which Polish ceramics has developed between industrial production and studio practice. This duality opens a space between serial and unique production, between object and artifact, and expands the understanding of function in contemporary ceramics.

Expanded framework of the triennial

The exhibition at Center Rog is developed in partnership with the National Museum of Slovenia, where the main exhibition of the triennial, dedicated to artistic ceramics, will take place. In this way, UNICUM 2026 is established for the first time as an expanded platform connecting artistic, design, and research practices.

An important aspect of the exhibition is its placement within Center Rog, where ceramics is also developed as part of its production and educational programme.

A public programme of guided tours, workshops, and presentations will accompany the exhibition.

Selected authors – Forms of Meaning exhibition:

Sharol Ahluwalia, Soyeon An, Marta Armada Rodríguez, Charlotte Becker, Teresa Berger, Balázs Botos, Juliette Charlot, Rebeka Ciesielczuk, Eva Conci, Freddie Crossley, Anamarija Dimovska, Janža Dolinšek, Peter Esih, Društvo Pjorkkala (Žan Girandon, Pia Groleger, Luka Pleskovič), Barbara Gogala, Carlos Gomez, Sara Guerreiro, Ana Haberman, Nika Horvat, Ljubica Jocić Knežević, Strahinja Jovanović, Philip Kenny, Nikola Knežević, Maja Kotar, Bojana Križanec, Filip Kulčar, Anamarija Ludvik, Pia Mršek, Olga Osnach, Jana Osterman, Babos Pálma, Jasmina Pejčić, Sandra Prami, Kristina Pucko, Guido Pupulin, Igor Ravbar, Victor Remère, Bojana Ristevski Mlaker, Elizabeth Russell, Virginia San Fratello, Valentina Stocco, Nika Stupica, Weronika Surma, Krisztina Szente, Arkadiusz Szwed, Nika Šantej, Ana Ščuka, Vesna Vidrih, Velimir Vukićević, Aleksandra Went-Zielińska, Simona Žiher

Participating countries:

Austria, Finland, France, India, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Canada, Colombia, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America