Last Saturday father knew exactly what I’d like to see in his city of birth. He was even willing to call in and grant us access. No need, the angels are free to visit. They are even in Google Maps under Trije Angeli.
All father knew was that they were at Vodovod, Maribor, the water supply building of Slovenian number two city. A glance at an online photo – I never like to study closely a photo of what I’m about to see for myself – gave me a feeling of a subversive underground territory but this is nothing like it, as you can see.
The Three Angels were built by sculptor Lučka Koščak and are about three meters high. When they were put there in 2004, the plan was to populate this meadow with other art pieces, but my perception is that it’s quite right that they were left alone.
After we parked at a not really legal spot, father was already searching for a number to call when I spotted the lady in the first photo and yelled to him: “No need to call! It’s open access!”
He preferred to wait for me with bestia on a bench in the shade, while I went to the angels and circled them to see what they are facing day and night. It’s a church, the Church of St. Barbara upon the Kalvarija (Calvary) hill. I know there are many steps leading up there, but we gladly left them for when we can again.
And behind them is the green Pohorje plateau with the ski track clearly visible where every winter since 1964 – with a few snowless years without the race – female World Cup skiers compete for the Golden Fox trophy (Zlata lisica). I know that in the past the winners received actual fur but I really hope this is history.
And I’m grateful to father because without him I would not know these angels existed, even after 17 years. Before he told me about them I hadn’t seen a single photo or even heard a rumour. And yet they are so perfect that they don’t even need captions.
For Photographing Public Art Challenge (PPAC) hosted by Marsha at Always Write
This day in my blogging history
An Embarrassment of Riches 
They look like visitors from Easter Island but they look ‘at home’ there!
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Thank you, TAB. Yes, clearly this is where the inspiration comes from. I love it how the setting is so different.
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The contrast between those stone faces and greenary – just perfect.
Thank you for sharing such rarities with us. They should be cherished.
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Thank you, Bojana. This is what I like to be in my mind – a rarity hunter. 🙂 Even though these have been right here for 17 years and they didn’t make an appearance on my radar. How come??
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Let’s say life never ceases to surprise us, which is amazing.
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Fabulous art works Manja. Glad you went there for us 🙂 🙂
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Thank you, Bushboy! I’m really glad that father told me about them and took me there.
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Puts me in mind of Easter Island…..
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Right, Sue. Her inspiration is clear. I love these here now though.
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Yes!
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Yes, I agree with the other commenter that they are reminiscent of the Easter Island sculptures. Very starkly imposing.
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Right, Lynette, a clear inspiration. I’d love to see those, but I like these here now.
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Those are very cool angles structures you were able to capture. 😀 😀
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Thank you, Cee! I was glad I was able to circle them.
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Hi Manja, I love all the different angles that you took. It’s amazing that there has been very little publicity of these statues. Maybe yours will be the go-to one. 🙂 Thanks for sharing these angels with us. 🙂
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You’re most welcome, Marsha! 🙂
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How odd but also a bit funny and sympathetic 😋
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😀 Thanks, SMSW. This is not too harsh a modern art critique, good to hear. 😉 I loved seeing them there and circling them.
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Well yes, this looks like something and took skill to make. It’s easy to like. It’s not a pile of rocks stacked in an empty museum room with a philosophical sign 😅
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These are MARVELOUS! The angels are brothers, but not twins. I kept staring at them and can’t help myself but see clear differences in each face, aside from their bodies being grey, tan, or pink. Each one has its own distinct look and character, and then I try to explain what is different, and I can’t. The angel angles are magical. What wonderful wonderful photos you took of them, Manja. I agree. The scene is splendid without additional artwork. And these photos are so excellent, I can’t imagine that my gifted camera will serve you any better than what you already use. Still, it is yours. ❤
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Ahh, Crystal, I try to keep my excitement to the minimum about this last. 😀 I’m really happy that you like this post. ❤ It was a wonderful setting and occasion. I'm so glad that father took me there. I did the best I knew how with the angels' angles and I'm glad you appreciate it. Brothers but not twins. Right you are. Thank you so much!
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I liked the close ups of the 3 heads the best, but it was good to see all the photos of them from various viewpoints. I wonder why they are called “angels”?
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Thank you, Carol. I must say that I have not encountered any explanation behind the title anywhere. It was artist’s choice, it seems.
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How interesting! They don’t look awfully big, those heads, do they? As if you clamber onto them. Are they climbable? I’d have loved to see a shot with someone sitting on a shoulder, ha ha! Maybe next time, Manja! Or meditating zen-like on top of one of their heads!
Also enjoy the peach-coloured paint-peeling composition of the last shot👌
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Thank you, Sunra Nina. You’re a kind to climb angels, hmmm? 😀 Just beware not to fall from one on your ass! They are three meters tall. I must admit climbing one didn’t cross my mind at all. Unlike that tree…
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Oh! 😂 Wasn’t sure how high they were. Also it might be disrespectful to climb an angel. Perhaps not to sit on the shoulder though… 😊
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I wondered how I missed this but then I checked the date and realised I was away around then. I think they are marvellous! They remind me a lot of the Rapa Nui moai, especially the ones left half-finished at the quarry: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/rapa-nui-the-birthplace-of-the-moai/
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Ahh, you were there! Excellent, Sarah. Yes, I believe they were the sculptor’s inspiration. Thank you for having a look.
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Oh, so the similarity isn’t a coincidence then!
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Oh, I’m just assuming this! I haven’t seen any confirmation from the author.
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