During the Greek Civil War (1946-1949), thousands of families were separated from each other and their homeland. In a governmental effort that was allegedly implemented to ensure the safety of minors, children aged three to fourteen were evacuated to countries in Eastern Europe. They became isolated from their families and homes and once the war was over, some children were never repatriated to their native environments.

Where the Wildflowers Grow portrays a place, in which the past continues to play a significant role in shaping its current state and atmosphere. This place was also the birthplace of my grandmother, who was forced to leave her home at a young age. The work is a journey through my grandmother’s homeland, showing the ongoing impact of an event that happened more than seventy years ago.

The land, as well as the community life in Antartiko village hidden in the mountainous area of northern Greece, were affected by the Civil War conflict and its aftermath. Both voluntary and forced migrations took place from the village, which is now almost uninhabited. The project delves into the history of the site, showing the remnants past conflicts, migrations, displacements and exploring my own family roots.

The submitted archival photographs portray my family members, who were originally born in the village, though all of them ended up relocating either voluntarily or by force. These images belong to my grandmother.