Tone Lapajne

Tone Lapajne (1933–2011) was a pioneering Slovenian sculptor and painter, known for his modernist sculptures and innovative use of natural materials. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Ljubljana in 1961, he began his career creating monumental sculptures in concrete, iron, and later wood, with works displayed across Slovenia, Austria, and Macedonia.

In the mid-1970s, Lapajne transitioned to painting, developing the acclaimed "Barjanska zemlja" (Marshland Soil) series, using earth from the Ljubljana Marshes. This technique blended natural pigments with vivid acrylics, creating textured, environmentally resonant works. His art earned numerous awards, including the Prešeren Fund Award (1977) and the Grand Prix at the XL International Painting Ex-tempore in Piran (2005).

Lapajne's works were featured in over 70 solo exhibitions and are held in major Slovenian and international collections. His final series, "Zemlja v nebu" (Earth in the Sky), showcased large-scale earth-on-canvas paintings, reflecting his deep connection to nature.

His works are part of prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in Ljubljana, the Coastal Galleries of Piran, the Gallery of Prešeren Award Laureates in Kranj, the Miklova Hiša Gallery, the City Gallery of Velenje, the Sečovlje Saltworks Landscape Park, and international galleries in Marina di Ravenna (Italy), Hermagor (Austria), as well as institutions in Belgrade, Skopje, Sarajevo, and Budva.

Submitted by Gallery SLOART