In former Yugoslavian languages, Spomenici means monuments
and in particular the state built socialist monuments. Most of these
monuments celebrate victories and battles over nazism/fascism and
some are even ossuaries. While being the product of a regime,
these monuments marked important historic events and dramas.
During the socialist regime, these structures played also a very
important social role. These were the places where families used to
gather during public holidays and where children would go for
school trips. The architecture of Spomenici is often associated with
the movement called "brutalism", where the term comes from Le
Corbusier's reference to raw concrete. I am not interested in
engaging in a documentary exercise. I approach Spomenici from a
fine art point of view. Artistically, Spomenici are an incredible basis
of departure for abstraction and personal interpretations, which
contribute to the revival of these mostly forgotten structures by
attributing them new meanings.
Giulio Zanni is an international multi-award winner fine art photographer. Born in Italy, he has spent most of his life in the Balkans. His work has been published in books and magazines and his portfolio has been selected among the best inspiring photographers.
