The “Applied Nostalgia” exhibition was opened in Stockholm, where the photographs of Jadranka Ilić and Swedish photographer Avig Kazanjian, taken during their visits to the capitals of Sweden and Serbia, were presented.
During the Swedish EU Council presidency in the first half of 2023, Ilic and Kazanjian stayed in Stockholm and Belgrade, respectively, and photographed places, events, scenes and people that remind them of the city they come from.
The exhibition in the European House was opened by Minister of European Integration of Serbia Tanja Miščević, State Secretary in the Swedish Ministry of Culture Karin Svanborg-Sjövall, and Deputy Head of Mission at the European Commission Representation in Stockholm Erik von Pistohlkors.
Miščević stated that the exhibition showed similarities between the streets, churches, and young people of Belgrade and Stockholm.
“Let’s try to show that, although we are not part of the EU, we are Europeans and it is important to see that through the lens of our photographers”, said Miščević.
Reminding that this was the second “Applied Nostalgia” exhibition in Stockholm, Miščević said that the process of European integration was a long process in which constant cultural exchange was important.
“That is how you will get to know us, that is how we will show you that not only are we Europeans, but that we share the same values as other Europeans”, Miščević said.
At the opening of the exhibition, the Minister pointed out the events in the north of Kosovo and called for the calming of the situation and the release of the arrested persons.
Swedish official Svanborg-Sjövall said that photographers used their works to remind us of differences and similarities, common history and everyday life.
“The viewer is encouraged to think about similarities and differences, which is even more important at a time when the war in Ukraine poses a challenge to common security and European values”, she said.
Swedish photographer Avig Kazanjian said that he had seen many fantastic things and moments in Belgrade and that he had tried to photograph culture, architecture, people, and food.
“I really liked Belgrade, I liked the contrast of charming old and new buildings”, said Kazanjian. “This project allowed me to capture the heart and soul of the incredible city of Belgrade, promoting cultural exchange between the two peoples”, he added.
The “Applied Nostalgia” project, which is implemented by the Ministry of European Integration of Serbia, is a series of joint exhibitions of the works of two photographers, one from Serbia and one from the country holding the EU presidency.
The basic idea is to improve cultural exchange between two countries and to promote European values and cooperation between Serbia and EU member states.
Source: Beta
