Reminder and warning for the 2023 floods: Terraviva Floods at the Sauna

Sonja Strgar has unveiled a unique art installation along the banks of the Savinja River near the village of Luče, commemorating the floods of 2023. The exhibition, titled Terraviva Naplavime, features sculptures crafted from debris left behind by the floods, including wood, stone, and metal fragments collected over two decades. Strgar walks visitors through her work, explaining how each piece represents both the power of nature and the resilience of human spirit. She describes one sculpture, made from a piece of riverwashed timber, as a symbol of transformation, how remnants of destruction can become new forms of beauty. “I find these pieces daily,” she says, pointing to a section of driftwood resting in the riverbed. “Not all are useful, but some become part of my larger works.” The inspiration for the project came after the devastating floods of 2023, which left vast amounts of debris scattered throughout the region. While some materials were used to renovate her guesthouse, others remained untouched until recently. Strgar explains that the flood remnants, once symbols of chaos, have since inspired her artistic vision. “These remnants remind us of our vulnerability compared to nature’s might,” she notes. One sculpture, named Riba Faronika (“Faronika the Fish”), is composed of materials dating back to the early 19th century, when the first dam was built in the area. According to Strgar, the name refers to a mythical creature with three symbolic meanings: its tail movement could cause earthquakes, its turning over would bring floods, and its death would signal the end of the world. Another centerpiece of the exhibit is Večno gibanje (“Eternal Motion”), a sculpture that combines elements found along the riverbank. A circular wheel fragment serves as the base, while nails, mesh, and a bent sheet of metal form the structure. At its center lies a heart-shaped piece of metal, representing hope. “This piece reflects the idea of eternal motion and eternal hope,” Strgar says, emphasizing the emotional depth of her work. She also highlights the diversity of human experience during and after the floods, describing how individuals and communities went through phases of carefree optimism, followed by struggle and introspection. Strgar began sculpting earlier this year, creating portraits that reflect the range of emotions felt by those affected by the floods. These faces, displayed publicly alongside her other works, depict the psychological journey of people who lived through the disaster. “Each face tells a story,” she says. “They show the different layers of human emotion, how we cope, adapt, and rebuild.” Her goal is to provoke reflection among viewers, encouraging them to consider how life-changing experiences can reshape identity and perception. The outdoor exhibition will remain open until the end of September, with Strgar hoping it stays in place permanently. She believes the location holds special significance, as it is where the materials were originally gathered and where they seem to belong. “The Savinja River carries stories for centuries,” she says. “These remnants tell of the past, but they also speak to the present and future.” The installation invites visitors to contemplate the relationship between humans, rivers, memory, and transformation, offering a space for personal reflection and connection with nature. Strgar emphasizes that her work does not seek to beautify or hide the imperfections of the materials she uses. Instead, she allows their raw textures and histories to shape the final forms. “There is no polishing or hiding of flaws,” she states. “The sculptures speak directly of time, change, and the enduring impact of nature’s forces.” As the exhibition continues to draw attention, it stands as a testament to the creative potential that emerges from destruction, transforming remnants of disaster into expressions of hope and renewal.