»Floating Democracy« is a proto-conceptual sculptural work made by Jurij Dobrila as well as a research project of curator Vid Lenard. Its material manifestation are two large spheres with a diameter of three metres which are freely floating on the Mediterranean sea. With their looming presence they symbolically call attention to the threats which are lurking on the future horizon and warn of the possible decline of democratic rights and the alienation of cultural values which might pose a threat to the existence of a new creature – the human beast of the future.

Two spheres, three metres wide, resembling a wedded couple on a dream cruise in the Mediterranean will sail forth towards new challenges. The public will have the chance to follow their voyage and their encounters with passing ships, passengers, fishermen and planes by means of Internet;  sightings, reports and satellite images and will also be encouraged to shed light on these events. The artist has called this project “Floating Democracy” and the underlying thought is to bind the historical context of the first highly cultured European civilisation to the Europe of today embroiled in a crisis and with a grim look to and insecure future. “Floating Democracy” is a evocative symbol worthy of our attention and protection if we wish for its ideas to reach the vast Mediterranean and spread further towards the oceans and remote capitals of the world.

By preserving these spherical objects which symbolically present our present democracy we shall express our own commitment to preserve the true ideas of democracy and unselfish cooperation among men and help them flourish again. Through a dialogue with this artwork the public will be encouraged to express their ideas about one of the most significant topics of today; the present position of democratic institutions.

You can follow this project on www.floatingdemocracy.com

We implore everyone who may have the luck and the chance to see these objects to report back to us.

In case you come across the Symbol which is damaged or trapped please save it with all due respect and set it free to sail on again. If the Symbol were to be severely damaged, please save the remains and send them to the maker or notify him of the exact location where you found it.

Curator Vid Lenard