On the occasion of European Heritage Day 2024 and within the framework of the E-ROUTES project, the “Filigree of the Drava” exhibition by Kristina Pongrac opened in the Library and Reading Room of the City of Prelog on Friday, October 26, 2024. Under the theme “Heritage that connects – cultural routes and networks”, the “Filigree of the Drava” exhibition brings a unique visual presentation of the history of the Drava River, using photo collages and historical maps to highlight the wealth of natural and cultural heritage of this area. Through photographs and maps, visitors can follow the changes in the course of the river, from its natural meanders to the construction of reservoirs, and discover the traditions and lives of the communities that have formed along its banks. The exhibition provides a comprehensive picture of the Drava as a symbol of the inextricable connection between man and nature. The exhibition is located in the passageway of the Library and Reading Room of the City of Prelog, where it will be on display until the end of the year, as a gift to the City of Prelog, on the occasion of the 760th anniversary of the first mention of Prelog.
The author of the exhibition is Kristina Pongrac, an interdisciplinary artist and interior designer, who deals with the interrelationship of man, nature and culture through her work. Growing up in the protected zone of the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve, she developed a strong connection with the landscape and through the collage “Filigree of the Drava” she wanted to encourage the personal identification of the individual with the river and its environment. In her works, Pongrac uses the technique of mosaic, photography and cartographic representations, combining artistic and historical elements to tell the story of the rich history of the Drava River. She has exhibited at more than 80 exhibitions in Croatia and abroad, and her work has been recognized and published in numerous professional publications. Kristina was also the E-ROUTES project artist-in-residence in 2024.
The exhibition was presented by the director of the Library and Reading Room of the City of Prelog Maja Lesinger and the member of parliament and mayor of the City of Prelog Ljubomir Kolarek, while Dominika Lukačić Murković led the opening of the exhibition. The exhibition was officially opened by the president of ICARUS Croatia Vlatka Lemić and the mayor Ljubomir Kolarek. The exhibition and accompanying publication were realized as part of the European project E-ROUTES, which explores historical communication routes and modern roads, through the theme of cultural landscapes and routes. The project is led by the Serbian Library Association in cooperation with partners from Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, and its goal is to connect different communities in Europe through intercultural dialogue. The Library and Reading Room of the City of Prelog would like to thank the Tourist Board of the City of Prelog for the photos that adorn the publication, and all the authors of the articles who provided their works for the needs of the aforementioned project.
