Maja Poljanc - Horus Conclusus

Maja Poljanc (1989) is a Slovenian illustrator with a distinct style, often combining elements of scientific illustration with ornaments inspired by Slovenian cultural heritage. In 2018, she earned her Master’s degree in Visual Communication at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana. Her work is characterized by precision and narrative depth, which is evident throughout her extensive portfolio.

Among her works, the first illustrated encyclopedia of Slovenian mythological creatures – Encyclopedia Mythologica Slovenica stands out. For this project, she received the Student Prešeren Award and a commendation at the 13th Slovenian Illustration Biennale. Her illustrations have appeared in numerous books and periodicals, including Pesmi potujočega mačka by Svetlana Makarović, the fantasy novel Svet je senca (Edgar Chaos) by Julija Lukovnjak, Bel konjiček by Sebastijan Pregelj, the scientific textbook Koža in kožne bolezni, and the magazine Razpotja.

Poljanc has exhibited her work both in Slovenia and abroad, including at the Frankfurt Book Fair (2023), Bologna Children’s Book Fair (2024), the Center for Illustration, Vodnik Homestead, DobraVaga Gallery, Kino Šiška, Jakopič Gallery, Cankar Centre, UGM Maribor, and Ilustrofest in Belgrade, among others. She lives and works in Ljubljana.

As the creator of the first illustrated encyclopedia of Slovenian mythological beings, Maja Poljanc has made a significant contribution to the visual representation of the Slovenian mythological pantheon. The exhibition features 32 original illustrations of mythological creatures. Slovene and broader Slavic mythology is rich in deities connected to various aspects of nature, such as Kresnik, Perun, Svarog, or the goddess Mokoš, all believed by ancestors to possess supernatural powers. She also illustrates beings from the realm of folklore and demonology, including nature spirits, household spirits, various monsters, and the souls of the cursed who return to the world of the living.

Since graduating, Maja Poljanc has skillfully pursued the challenge of pure book illustration. By combining contemporary visual expression with echoes of the past and elements of folk art, she increasingly collaborates with Slovenian authors.