MIKLAVŽ KOMELJ
It Is Impossible to Wait in Vain

Miklavž Komelj is best known to the public as a poet, art historian and essayist. He has published twelve books of poetry, two books of prose and several scientific and essayistic works; he is also a prolific translator (Juana Inés de la Cruz, Petar Petrović Njegoš, Fernando Pessoa, César Vallejo, Djuna Barnes, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Alejandra Pizarnik …). He has held three solo painting exhibitions. The printed works presented in this book were created between July 2019 and October 2020.

The book was published as part of the project It Is Impossible to Wait in Vain. Co-authored by two artists, Miklavž Komelj and Leja Jurišić, the project is their first collaboration. For almost a year, they chose to share their creative process; not wanting to compromise the resulting work of art, they each created their own independent work entitled It Is Impossible to Wait in Vain.

Some thoughts on Miklavž's fiery paintings

Miklavž's paintings on paper are living acts of entering the landscape of Timelessness, full of magical visual poetry, evocation.

The desert, the rocks painted in watercolours are extraordinarily subtle, trembling, breathing smoothly, translucently.

There are many animals, plants, angels, a red flame, symbols and signs taking the nude girl along the path of inner Solitude.

In the thick, impenetrable sky painted in black ink, verses often appear.

These technically and conceptually profound works combine contrasts by building up inner poise, spiritual tension, shining in their purity and mystery.

They recall Giotto, except for the fact that the world has changed profoundly since then.

And yet, in their urgency, Miklavž’s poetry and paintings manage to be, to carry the whole world in this moment, glowing true and free in what is ever present and sacred.

Joni Zakonjšek

Miklavž Komelj
Ni mogoče čakati zaman / It is impossible to wait in vain / Es imposible esperar en vano

Published by Društvo Pekinpah, www.pekinpah.com
For the publisher Žiga Predan

English translation of the companion text: Tadej Rosa, Jezikovna zadruga Soglasnik
Spanish translation of the companion text: Jairo Dorado Cadilla, Jezikovna zadruga Soglasnik
Cover design and layout: Mina Fina, Ivian Kan Mujezinović / Grupa Ee
Photography: Marko Tušek
Printed by: Tiskarna Januš
Number of copies printed: 300 copies
Price: 35 €
Ljubljana 2020

© 2020, Društvo Pekinpah

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