Full of new beginnings


Full of new beginnings is a series of works which tackles various phenomena surrounding the overtouristification of the Dalmatian cityscapes. The protagonist of the three works in the series is Duje, an archetypal figure of the local investor whose presence, both monumental and fragile, haunts the urban fabric of contemporary Split. Through him, the series opens a lens onto the shifting relationships between power, desire, space, and the seductive imaginaries of tourism economies. Taken together, the works articulate a speculative terrain in which Split’s built environment becomes a stage for various competing fantasies.


Betoniziraj!(Betonize!)



Digital illustration, dimensions variable
Print on mesh banner, 330 × 200 cm
Exhibition view: Regeneration, The 42nd Split Salon, MKC, Split, 2024
Photo credits: Žaklina Antonijević


This work functions as a dystopian depiction of the beach Žnjan in Split. In this dystopia, this maritime domain becomes overcrowded by illegal objects of bizarre appearance. Their purpose resembles the dialectic of two different scenarios: One being apartments rented out during the tourist season to become secondary residences and the second scenario in which these buildings house the local population. I have taken the real geographical data from the area of Žnjan, defined an area of 1 km2, and illustrated it in isometric projection. By using the isometric projection, I refer to urban planning, thus questioning the effectiveness and relevance of this practice today.

Curating: Jasmina Šarić, Petra Šarin 




A Catwalk on Riva



Mannequin, pedestal, used clothing, 204 × 60 × 60 cm
Custom made silk scarf, 90 × 90 cm
Installation view: Toni Areal, Zurich, 2021
Photo credits: Conradin Frei

The doll represents Jagoda, Duje's girlfriend, who is dressed in typical outfit from Split. Jagoda proudly shows off her new silk scarf as she strolls along the Riva in Split. The scarf itself portrays different aspects of the tourist season in Split, as well as Duje’s properties. In this work, I question how concepts such as heteronormativity and hyper-masculinity influence urban planning as a practice. Duje, the influential investor, is emasculated as he is placed on a silk scarf and worn as a luxurious tourist souvenir.



Pukni puško, rodilo se muško 



Digital print on cotton, dimensions variable
Installation view: Toni Areal, Zurich, 2021
Photo credits: Conradin Frei


A couple marries and builds a two-floor house.
They do not finish it with a roof.

Instead, metal wires spike upward
from the concrete slab.

They are expecting a boy,
so they leave an empty floor
for another flat to be built.

The first son is born,
so they raise the next floor.

And once again,
they leave the metal wires.


Work detail
Photo credits: Conradin Frei