A showcase of artworks by Croatian and international artists related to the Croatian War of Independence (1991~1995) | Izložba umjetničkih radova hrvatskih i inozemnih umjetnika vezanih uz domovinski rat (1991.~1995.)
The Croatian War of Independence (1991~1995) left a profound impact on Croatian society and inspired numerous artists, both from Croatia and abroad, to create artworks that reflect the experiences, emotions and consequences of the conflict. These artworks serve as powerful expressions of the war’s impact on individuals and communities, as well as a means of raising awareness and fostering dialogue.
Many Croatian artists have produced works directly addressing the war. These include photography, paintings, sculptures, and installations that depict scenes from the conflict, capture the suffering of civilians, or symbolize the resilience of the Croatian people. By creating evocative pieces that reflect the human tragedy and the struggle for independence, their works often explore themes of loss, displacement, and the quest for justice. International artists have also contributed to the artistic response to the Croatian War of Independence. Renowned photographers, such as James Nachtwey and Ron Haviv, documented the war’s impact on civilians and soldiers, capturing haunting images that bear witness to the atrocities committed. Their photographs bring global attention to the conflict and raise awareness about the human cost of war.
Furthermore, various exhibitions and art installations have showcased works by Croatian and international artists, providing platforms for reflection and commemoration. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb has hosted several exhibitions dedicated to the war, featuring artworks that explore its social, political and psychological dimensions.
Artworks related to the Croatian War of Independence not only document historical events but also serve as a means of catharsis, healing and remembrance. They offer a medium through which individuals can process their emotions and engage in conversations about the war’s legacy. These artworks contribute to shaping collective memory, fostering empathy and promoting a deeper understanding of the impact of war on society. As time passes, these artistic creations continue to serve as important reminders of the past, urging viewers to reflect on the consequences of war and strive for peace, reconciliation and a better future. They bear witness to the resilience of the Croatian people and the power of art to convey the complexities of human experiences in times of conflict.
VUKOVAR poster
November 18, 1991 marks the day the defense of Vukovar was broken. That morning at 7 o'clock an iconic handwritten drawing of Croatian graphic designer Boris Ljubičić was created – VUKOVAR – a word and a disappearing city, a design in which the name of the city disintegrated as illegibly as Vukovar itself.
Designer: Boris Ljubičić. Source: Vukovar Municipal Museum.
https://www.culturenet.hr/hr/izlozba-borisa-ljubicica-slike-vremena-dizajn-i-politika/182291
VUKOVAR WATER TOWER – symbol of croatian unity
With their project, Croatian design studio Kazinoti & Komenda wanted to achieve a visually strong, monumental solution that shifts from the literal form of the Vukovar Water Tower, and at the same time conveys the message of its symbol. During the Battle of Vukovar, Croatian War of Independence, the water-tower was directly hit 640 times, however despite this, it remained intact and in the same place for the entire time of the battle for the city.
Design studio: Kazinoti & Komenda
FLASHBACK ’91 exhibition
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the Croatian War of Independence, the Croatian History Museum, in cooperation with Croatian war photographers and the Croatian Society of Fine Artists organised an exhibition entitled “Flashback '91” in Mestrović Pavilion (Trg zrtava fasizma 16) from 15.11 to 21.11. 2021 in Zagreb.
Photograph: CROPIX. Source: Croatian History Museum.
https://hismus.hr/en/news/archive/exhibition/new-exhibition-flashback-91/