Klop (Bench) stands outside Maribor Puppet Theatre on Vojašniški Square, within the historic Minorite complex in Lent. Created by sculptor Primož Pugelj, it is the twelfth art bench in the Stories of Benches and People project. Unveiled on 28 December 2017, the metal sculpture offers a place to sit while presenting an unusual image to theatre visitors.
The work consists of three large, expressionless masks, a symbol of theatre. They are formed from approximately 30,000 oval metal plates, joined to create recognisable faces. Unlike theatrical masks that show strong emotions, these faces reveal none. Their lack of expression is central to the artist's idea.
Through the masks, Pugelj explores anonymity, inauthentic relationships and the influence of media in contemporary society. The bench combines everyday use with questions about the roles people play in life. Its meaning gains another dimension outside a theatre where puppets and characters come alive through performance.
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2000 Maribor