ELENA
ŠTROK
A storyteller’s life is
an excitement indeed:
All tales of unknown
I hope once to read
UPCOMING
2026
Rijksakademie (NL)
Tech Fellow | Print workshop
artist residency
Spring 2026
Gallery VN (CRO)
Baby Universe
Solo show
ELENA
A storyteller’s life is
an excitement indeed:
All tales of unknown
I hope once to read
2026
Rijksakademie (NL)
Tech Fellow | Print workshop
artist residency
Spring 2026
Gallery VN (CRO)
Baby Universe
Solo show
BABY UNIVERSE
Direction, performer, scenographer Elena Štrok
Music Krešo Avar and Elena Štrok
text, performance, fanzine, scenography, object
shown at Gallery Prostor and Gallery SC
2021
A performative epic fairytale Baby Universe is based on the foundations of ancient ideals, embodied through a simple story in figures of planets faced with the threat of their own mortality. The generally almighty gods / planets found themselves in a situation that they no longer have absolute control, regardless of their martial, thoughtful and other skills. The instinct in each of them arouses the weaknesses they normally effortlessly control. The solution is brought by Pluto, the deity to whom death is not an unknown term, and in whose words a tranquil thought which encloses the analysis. The final outcome remains unknown.
The work symbolically foreshadows the equilibration of opposites, reconciliation of archetypes, appreciation and calibration necessary to all of us at a certain point. Returning to ‘’their homes’’, all of the planets will draw from Pluto’s words what they wish and are able to. With a dash of humour, Baby Universe becomes a memento mori, with an emphasis on a positive, not so burdened perception of mortality.
Baby Universe is a work that combines visual, musical and performative elements into one hybrid whole. The theme of the work touches on the understanding of archetypes through various systems, either mythological or psychological, and the main assumption from which the action starts is based on a scientific theory in the field of astrophysics. The possible destruction of the Universe is questioned, as a consequence of the disturbance of the current energy order due to the tendency of the Sun and the Moon (opposite archetypes) to equalize and merge into one. Upon learning of the news one night, seven planets Solar System planets lead a discussion about the problem posed, revealing their fears, hopes, and general views on their own lives and deaths. Ultimately, there is an unexpected resolution, although the question of the outcome remains unanswered.