Simply Masters
The exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of ÚĽUV: The Centre for Folk Art Production presents the work of 80 masters of traditional folk art production. Since 1959, this honorary title has regularly been awarded to the highest-quality folk art producers – making this exhibition a guarantee of an exceptional experience.
The Work of 80 Masters of Traditional Folk Art (2011–2024)
The title “Master of Folk Art Production” has been awarded by ÚĽUV since 1959. To date, 454 of the most significant folk craftsmen and craftswomen have received this title. The exhibition, installed in the ÚĽUV Gallery on Obchodná Street in Bratislava, celebrates 80 selected artists awarded in the past years, in honor of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Centre for Folk Art Production. Most of the presented creators are still active today.
Title: Simply Masters
Venue: ÚĽUV Gallery, Obchodná 64, Bratislava
Open: Monday to Friday | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Duration: March 27 – November 12, 2025
Curators: Eva Ševčíková, Dominika Žažová
Exhibition design: Daniela Kytková
Graphic design: Monika Bajlová
The aim of the exhibition is to highlight the uniqueness and craftsmanship of the makers, their skills and talent in working with materials, and the exceptional and original nature of their creations. The curatorial team places strong emphasis on individual recognition. Through information panels with photographs, award descriptions, and QR codes linking to factual details on the ÚĽUV website, visitors will be drawn into the unforgettable stories of these master artisans.
From Tinsmithing to Shepherd’s Dishes and Leather Products
Exploring the world of traditional crafts in the gallery’s rooms through curated sets of handcrafted items organized by material will be a rich experience for both children and adults. The first room presents musical instruments, shepherd’s dishes, wooden products, metal jewelry, blacksmithing, tinsmithing and wirework, hats, and leather goods.
The second room focuses on home culture and textile production – including woven fabrics, lace, embroidery, wool, natural weaves, and glass. The third room features ceramics as a standalone exposition. The fourth room is dedicated to small folk crafts such as decorated Easter eggs, gingerbread, straw ornaments, fabric animals and dolls, wooden toys, and reverse glass paintings. The items come from the private collections of the masters and from the collections of the Museum of Folk Art Production and the Považie Museum in Žilina.
A Message from the Curators
Curators Eva Ševčíková and Dominika Žažová deliver a clear message to the public:
“We can confidently say that the masters of folk art are not only keepers of traditional craftsmanship but also of a way of life. Although no longer in a material sense, their approach reflects a spiritual continuity – their attitudes, values, and principles mirror those of our ancestors for centuries. These include independence, respect for life, responsibility for the future, a connection to locality and sustainability, and often humility, along with a healthy self-confidence that comes from creative fulfillment and deep understanding of their craft.”
We believe the legacy of their hands and skills will endure for centuries to come. Supporting this belief is the recent inclusion of the “Master of Folk Art Production” program in the List of the Best Safeguarding Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Slovakia. ÚĽUV nominated the program – out of respect for both past and current generations of master artisans.
