6th Unique Art Bench: The Two of Us

The Two of Us (Midva) consists of two sculptural benches on Slomšek Square in central Maribor. Created by sculptor Dr Marjan Drev, they form the sixth installation in the Stories of Benches and People project. Made from marble, the benches were unveiled on 5 April 2016. Their design brings sculpture into everyday public space while retaining a practical purpose.

The defining feature is the contrast between two forms. One bench has soft, flowing curves, while the other features sharper, angular turns. Despite their differences, the shapes complement one another and form a whole. Drev developed the work around the idea that every sculptural form can find its counterpart. Its central message is “A pair is more than two.”

Marjan Drev has also created several public monuments, including the monument to Anton Martin Slomšek in Maribor. The benches belong to a citywide collection of original artworks combining public seating with artistic expression. On historic Slomšek Square, The Two of Us provides a place to meet and reflects on connection, difference and coexistence.