The Forest Encounters book launch
26 March 2026, 18:30, Pritličje, Mestni trg 2, Ljubljana
Speakers
- Urška Jurman, art historian, sociologist of culture, and co-editor of the book
- Mateja Kurir, philosopher, researcher, and co-editor of the book
- Miha Krofel, wildlife researcher based at the Department of Forestry, Biotechnical Faculty at the University of Ljubljana
After the book’s introductory presentation—exploring the relationship between forests and humans through art, science, and the humanities—two contributions will follow. Drawing on her essay “Forest-Thinking,” Mateja Kurir will discuss the historical absence of the forest in philosophy and the recent turn that recognizes the forest as a meaningful space for imagining different futures. Miha Krofel will present key strategies for improving coexistence between humans and large carnivores, specifically wolves and bears.
The Forest Encounters book discusses the forest as a complex ecosystem and a site of interconnection, but also as a space of conflict where environmental concerns confront diverse political, social, and economic pressures.
The book brings together voices from different disciplines, geographies, and cultures. Artists, foresters, art historians, philosophers, anthropologists, wildlife researchers, landscape architects, and writers all participate in this collective reflection on the diverse meanings, challenges, and perspectives related to the forest.
About the Forest Encounters book
Editors: Urška Jurman and Mateja Kurir
Contributors: Giovanni Aloi, Daniela Brasil and Nayarí Castillo, T. J. Demos, Marjolijn Dijkman, Dušica Dražić, Katharina Flich, Maja Fowkes and Reuben Fowkes, Lea Hartmeyer, Urška Jurman, Agata A. Konczal, Miha Krofel, Ana Kučan, Mateja Kurir, Polonca Lovšin, Felicita Medved, Teo Hrvoje Oršanič, Borut Peterlin, Bojana Piškur, Titta C. Raccagni, Zoe Jo Rae, Alex Schuurbiers
Design and layout: Rafaela Dražić
The print version of the book can be soon purchased online for €20 plus shipping. Follow us for updates.
Published by the Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory, Ljubljana
Co-published by the Archive Books, Berlin
Ljubljana and Berlin, 2025
Co-funded by the European Union, Creative Europe Program