Ragusa - Variable edition screen print on hemp

The Balkans first came to my attention in the early 90s. As a child, just beginning to pay attention to stories in the news, I didn't really understand the gravity of war, and why people were fighting. However, through my television screen, places names such as Yugoslavia and Sarajevo suddenly became very familiar. To this day these place names still conjure images of warfare in my mind's eye.

This series of prints was inspired by a recent trip to Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. I spent the majority of my time there in Dubrovnik, as do many tourists. A beautiful city steeped in history, from it's past as the maritime capital of the Republic of Ragusa to its more recent history, when under siege. Dubrovnik is a city with many layers, both of success and pain.

Despite being touched by disaster, from earthquakes to warfare, Dubrovnik is a city that's flourishing. Following the siege great efforts were taken by the people of the Dubrovnik to return the city to its former self, and the results are glorious. Some may even argue too successful, with overtourism a concern for many.

35cm (w) x 50cm (h)