Silent Fleeting Sorrows

Silent Fleeting Sorrows is a personal story about the post-war generation living in Slavonia, Croatia. Unraveling the legacy of mistrust and intergenerational trauma in the region.

2021 marked the 30th anniversary of Croatia's independence. In its short history, the Republic faced many challenges in transitioning from the socialist legacy of Yugoslavia to modern-day Europe. While coastal regions have prospered due to tourism, the inland region of Slavonia has struggled to adapt to the changing economic and political landscape.

Through visual research “Silent Fleeting Sorrows” explores the effects of the ongoing emigration crisis and the experiences of my peers, the post-war generation living in Slavonia, Croatia. Unraveling a story about the legacy of mistrust and trauma in the region that has been heavily affected by the long-lasting effects of war, corruption, and political negligence.

I am interested in how intergenerational traumas and cultural turmoils influence and shape the social fabric of a community and the identities of generations raised in post-war atmospheres. The feeling of isolation and a lack of opportunities can lead to a sense of disillusionment, and many of us feel disconnected from the cultural conversations at large. Growing up in a post-war culture that encourages the suppression of emotions can make it difficult to express complex feelings that arise during times of crisis. Through Silent Fleeting Sorrows, I aim to visually unlearn patterns and systems that have been imposed upon my generation.

Exploring domestic life gave me an insight into how different social-cultural artifacts influence and shape the social fabric of the community and the identities of younger generations. I decided to visually focus on my immediate surroundings, friends, and family and that allowed me to explore this topic from an intimate and nuanced perspective.