Viktor Kovačić and the Status of Modernity

VK 74/24/24 – Viktor Kovačić and the Status of Modernity / Academic Conference Marking the 150th Anniversary of the Birth and 100th Anniversary of the Death of Viktor Kovačić will be held from October 21 to 23, 2024, at the premises of the Croatian Architects’ Association and the Zagreb Society of Architects (Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 3/1, Zagreb).

The conference is organized (starting on the exact day marking the 100th anniversary of Viktor Kovačić’s passing) in collaboration with the Croatian Architects’ Association, the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Zagreb, and the Institute of Art History, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia. The conference will be opened by the Minister of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Nina Obuljen Koržinek, and welcome speeches will be given by the Deputy Mayor of the City of Zagreb, Dr. Luka Korlaet, as well as representatives of the conference organizers Dr. Katarina Horvat-Levaj (IPU), Dr. Siniša Justić (AF), and Dr. Mia Roth-Čerina (UHA).

Kovačić’s inauguration of architectural Modernism at the beginning of the 20th century has inevitably resulted in the contemporary need to reassess the position of modernity. The specificity of this timely topic, particularly in its relation to the foundation of Viktor Kovačić's work and thought, serves as the main focus of this academic conference.

The conference therefore has three primary points of interest: the first perspective assesses current positions and knowledge as we look back at Kovačić—through studies of his work via contextual determinations and its networking within the broader cultural and artistic scene (Kovačić and the Modernist Cultural Scene), alongside recent research on his opus, works, theory, contacts, thoughts, and legacy (Contemporary Views on Kovačić); the second explores the continuity of Kovačić’s ideas in later Modernist production (Modernist Practices); and the third perspective, grounded in Kovačić’s influence, is directed toward the present moment and its specific challenges, moods, and ways of understanding architectural progressiveness (The Status of Modernity).

In addition to 25 scientific and professional presentations divided into four sessions, the conference will also include a presentation of the Digitization of Cultural Heritage program by the Ministry of Culture and Media, as well as a presentation of Kovačić’s digitized catalog with an accompanying virtual exhibition.

The academic conference VK 74/24/24 has been included in the program of the European Heritage Days 2024.

The program and the book of abstracts can be found at the link.

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Contact:
Irena Kraševac
Ana Šverko