BETWEEN DREAM AND REALITY
Sanja Marušić’s work resides at the threshold between dream and reality. Her vibrant, fantastical creations stand in stark contrast to the rigid, structured reality of everyday life. This tension inspired the exhibition’s spatial concept: a dialogue between opposites—reason and imagination, the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
The museum’s main hall, with its rational, orthogonal architecture and robust concrete columns, became our starting point. Within this structured space, we introduced a large, organic form clad in a closed, graphic outer layer. This outer skin offers a teasing glimpse into Sanja’s world—a provocative hint that sparks curiosity without giving too much away. The structure represents Sanja’s mind: a mysterious cocoon inviting exploration.
Visitors are encouraged to walk around the form, searching for an entrance. This journey mirrors the process of uncovering the artist’s inner world. Once inside, they step into a transformative experience: leaving the ordered external world behind to enter Sanja’s magical inner universe. It evokes a sense of wonder, like Alice stepping into Wonderland.
Inside, a labyrinth of vibrant rooms unfolds, each representing a significant phase in Sanja’s life. These modern wunderkammers are more than static displays—they tell stories, spark emotions, and draw visitors deeper into her creative world. Her images blend seamlessly with the spaces, enhanced by the props she often uses in her work. A singular route ensures complete immersion in Sanja’s universe.
This design encourages visitors to lose themselves, abandon everyday logic, and embrace a world of imagination. As they navigate Sanja’s inner landscape, they emerge with a fresh perspective—as if seeing reality through her eyes.
The exhibition thrives on contrasts: the inner versus the outer world of the artist, the orthogonal museum architecture versus the organic exhibition design. It juxtaposes fantasy and reality, logic and intuition, structure and freedom. Above all, it inspires reflection: how do we connect to our own inner and outer worlds?
Original sketches by Sanja
