We are proud to celebrate the successful conclusion of the “Remembering Through Art” online exhibition, organised as part of the NO-OBLIVION project. The exhibition took place on the 27th and 28th March 2025, bringing together artists from across Europe to reflect on the legacy of the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia through powerful visual storytelling. The event highlighted the transformative role of art in processing and preserving memory, and fostered meaningful discussions on justice, conflict, and resilience.
About the NO-OBLIVION Project
NO-OBLIVION: Promoting Universal Jurisdiction while Evoking the Crimes Committed within the Former Yugoslavia— is a transnational project aimed at ensuring that the atrocities committed during the wars in the former Yugoslavia are not forgotten. By strengthening awareness and legal capacity, especially among younger generations and legal professionals, the project seeks to reinforce the importance of accountability and transitional justice.
The “Remembering Through Art” exhibition was one of the project’s main initiatives, inviting European artists aged 18 and above to submit original pieces in painting, photography, poster art, or video. The artworks were inspired by real testimonies from the conflicts, transforming personal and collective memory
into impactful visual narratives.
A Two-Day Journey
Day 1:
The first day was opened by guest speaker Dijana Muminović a Bosnian-American award-winning documentary photographer who has spent the past decade telling powerful stories of immigration, human rights, and the aftermath of the Bosnian conflict. Dijana’s presented her story and her work providing an important perspective on war and conflict. Through her pictures she presented the human cost of war
After this presentation, participants had the opportunity to view 10 artists work digitally and hear what had inspired their work. Each of the pieces served as a window into the complexities of the past, while also resonating with current struggles for truth and reconciliation.
Day 2:
The second day of the event began with a inspiring presentation by Lara Ciarabellini, an Italian photographer who has been based in Rio de Janeiro for over a decade. Her work delved into the deep connections between collective memory and the interplay of past and present, particularly in places marked by violence. From the lingering scars of post-war Bosnia to Italy’s World War II history and Brazil’s ongoing conflicts, Lara’s lens uncovered stories that insisted on being remembered.
The event continued with 10 other artists presenting their work and speaking about what had inspired them, allowing participants to further engage with the stories behind the artworks and the mission of the NO-OBLIVION consortium. The platform fostered exchange between civil society, artists, and legal experts committed to preserving historical memory through creative expression.
Winners of the exhibition:
The exhibition culminated with the announcement of four outstanding winners, selected by a jury based on criteria including thematic relevance, emotional impact, creativity, technical execution, and symbolism:
• 1st Prize (Reviving Balkan Arts Festival in Croatia): Lamija Grebo (92/100)
• 1st Prize (Cash Award): Vasiliki Siatara (92/100)
• 3rd Prize (Reviving Balkan Arts Festival in Croatia): Dženat Dreković (91/100)
• 4th Prize (Cash Award): Ioana-Cristina Bobe (89/100)
These winning pieces will not only receive recognition but will also continue to reach audiences in other forums, including the Reviving Balkan Arts Festival in Croatia this April. A special thank you also to all the other artists that participated with their inspiring and thought provoking work!
A Platform for Memory and Dialogue
“Remembering Through Art” has been more than an exhibition—but a vital space for memory, reflection, and dialogue. It stands as a testament to the enduring impact of artistic expression in confronting past injustices and encouraging intergenerational conversations about justice and human rights.
The NO-OBLIVION project is led by the European Association for Social Innovation (Romania) and implemented in collaboration with IPS_Innovative Prison Systems (Portugal), Victim Support Europe (Belgium), Camino (Germany), Documenta (Croatia), the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia, the Center for Security Studies (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and the Kosovo Center of Diplomacy.
To explore the full gallery of submissions, visit the NO-OBLIVION online exhibition platform
