Makuc, who turned 90 on 8 May, is one of the best known Slovenian contemporary artists. His signature style reflects his attachment to the western region of Kras.

His works intertwine secret signs, reminiscent of frescos from the region of Istria, and hide spiritual messages, the jury said.

The artist graduated from the Ljubljana Fine Arts Academy and mostly worked on graphic art in the first 25 years of his career, also perfecting his skills in Paris with the acclaimed Johnny Friedlaender.

Later he turned to painting and installations.

Makuc held numerous exhibitions at home and abroad an is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Prešeren Fund Prize, the peers' Jakopič Prize, the main award at the Slovenian Graphic Biennial and in 1959 the top prize at the Alexandria Graphics Biennial.

The Župančič awards for individual artistic achievements from the past two years will go to director Barbara Novaković Kolenc, theatre actor Alojz Svete and poet Boris A. Novak.

The Županič Awards, conferred since 1965, are the Ljubljana municipality's top awards for extraordinary achievements in art and culture.