The photographer Fabrice Dekoninck takes us on an immersion into the memory of the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, meeting witnesses and survivors. Through their stories, he confronts the weight of this memory and its impact on the Bosnian society today.
Obsessed by traces, he tirelessly surveys the very sites where the crimes were committed, detention and execution sites and former mass graves. Spread over almost three years, his work is similar to that of an anthropologist of memory. With this book, he is at the epicentre of the very essence of photography: to make the invisible visible. Through photography, he intends to fight against revisionism and negationism.
“I remember my first trip to Srebrenica in February 2020. Even before arriving in the city, I am stunned by the landscape that unfolds before my eyes. Everywhere, the stigma of violence and hatred. Yet I had prepared myself for a long time. I had read the accounts of the witnesses and immersed myself in the archives of the International Criminal Court. But nothing could prepare me for the raw reality of the genocide. I feel everything, the hatred of the murderers and the suffering of the victims. Everything here is latent, palpable, horribly present.”
After five long years of war, more than 100,000 dead and 1.2 million displaced, and after the genocide in Srebrenica finally awakened the conscience of the international community, the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina ended with the signing of the Dayton Accords in November 1995.
These agreements, although intended to be temporary, continue to govern the country today, allowing ethno-nationalist politicians to remain in power, instrumentalising the memory of the war and exacerbating tensions between communities for the sole purpose of staying in power. The ‘Dayton peace’ and the arrangements it imposes have created a poisonous climate in which everything seems capable of becoming violent again.
In the autumn of 2021, the ethno-nationalist leader of Republika Srpska announced his intention to have the local parliament pass a bill allowing the Serb entity to withdraw from the central authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina in all matters of defence, health, tax administration and justice. This is a unilateral violation of the Dayton Accords, and threatens a new armed conflict.
Thirty years after the start of the conflict, tensions have never been higher and resentment and hatred between ethnic communities have never been greater, against a backdrop of corruption, political mismanagement and rising nationalism throughout the country.
For nearly three years, the photographer stayed for long periods in Bosnia and Herzegovina where he built trustful relationships with numerous witnesses. Across Europe, he also met several foreign witnesses (UN soldiers, ICTY investigator, writers and journalists) present in Bosnia during the war. All witnesses opened the doors of their memory in the most sincere and honest way, allowing the author to collect a unique set of testimonies on what the memory of war is all about.
The book is first and foremost a photography book, mixing staged portraits and reportage images on the very places where the events took place. Most of the work is done with film cameras (35 mm and medium format), delivering a blend of black and white and color images.
The book is organized around 3 geographical chapters: Srebrenica, Kozarac and Sarajevo. Each chapter is introduced by the author who shares his own thoughts and emotions in relation to his own experience. He also gives the floor to a few guests who address post-war recurring themes: truth, justice and memorialization (how to deal with the legacy of the past?).
The preface is written by Philippe Simon, a former French war correspondent who shared the daily life of a Bosnian family in Sarajevo during the siege of the city.
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The book will be available in English and French. Depending on the results of the crowdfunding campaign, the book may also be published in Bosnian, available only to residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Chapter 1: Kozarac (Prijedor region)
Chapter 2: Sarajevo
Chapter 3: Srebrenica
Fascinated by History, by the stakes linked to the preservation of memory and to the way it is collectively built, Fabrice Dekoninck first worked on the soldiers of the Great War, work that he exhibited as part of the Centennial mission at the Verdun Memorial in France. When he decided to devote himself entirely to photography, he became interested in the war in the former Yugoslavia.
Through interviews and testimonies, drawing on the thread of confidences patiently collected, he has been documenting for three years the traces of the massacres that led to the tragic deaths of thousands of victims between 1992 and 1995.
Based on his readings, on the testimonies of survivors and journalists present in the field at the time, as well as on the minutes of the ICTY and in particular the long work of Jean-René Ruez, head of the investigation group on the crimes of Srebrenica, he has succeeded in bringing to light the traces of the past, in breaking the silence and thus in paying homage to all those who have disappeared. In doing so, he frees himself from the manipulations of memory still at work in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Quoting Maurice Genevoix: “There is no death. I can close my eyes, I will have my paradise in the hearts that remember“.
Between Fears and Hope will be his second book, following the 2017 publication of Comme On Peut (Creaphis, France) in support of the eponymous exhibition, mixing portraits and landscapes with the words of the French writer Maurice Genevoix issued from Ceux de 14.
Hemeria supports photographers who are committed to long-term projects. After hosting in 2020 the work of the VII Foundation on peace (Imagine: reflections on peace) gathering photographs and essays on Vietnam, Lebanon, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, Colombia and Bosnia, yesterday and today, the publishing house has supported the project of the documentary photographer Maryam Ashrafi on Syrian and Iraqi Kurdistan and the essential role of women.
With this new book by Fabrice Dekoninck, Hemeria continues to participate in the indispensable work of memory and truth that we owe to all those who struggle to live in a fairer, more egalitarian, freer world.
2022
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Nantes, France > Cosmopolis (festival des solidarités), thématique « Transformons le monde »
03 – 13 November 2022
2023
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Sarajevo, Bosnia > National Gallery
April – May 2023
Srebrenica, Bosnia > Memorial Center
July – December 2023
The book (special price) 49€ when released Free delivery in France - your name in the book
77 Sostenitori2 books (a 18% discount on final price) Free delivery in France - your name in the book
19 SostenitoriGelatin silver print 20x25 cm B&W signed, not numbered (+ 1 book) Choose from photos A, B, C, D, E, F, G Your name in the book Printed by Fred Goyeau on Bergger Prestige variable CB Baryta paper.
9 SostenitoriColor Silver print 30x40 cm signed, not numbered (+ 1 book) Choose from photos H, I, J, K, L Your name in the book Print made by Marc Mupson on RC paper (resin coated) Kodak Endura Premier N (matte)
5 SostenitoriGelatin silver print 30x40 cm B&W signed, not numbered (+ 1 book) Choose from photos A, B, C, D, E, F, G Your name in the book Printed by Fred Goyeau on Bergger Prestige variable CB Baryta paper.
1 SostenitoriThe book + a 30x40 color print + a 30x40 B&W Gelatin silver print signed, not numbered B&W print > images A, B, C, D, E, F, G Color print > images H, I, J, K, L Your name in the book
2 SostenitoriGelatin silver print 37x37 cm B&W signed and numbered (+ 1 book) To be chosen from the photos M, N, O, P Each print numbered from 1 to 7 (edition of 7 copies) - CE transport not included Printed by Fred Goyeau on Bergger Prestige variable CB baryta paper Your name in the book
0 SostenitoriSilver color art print 50x50 cm signed and numbered (+ 1 book offered) Art print to choose from photos K, R, S, T Delivered with a certificate of authenticity Each print numbered from 1 to 7 (edition of 7 copies) - CE transport not included Print produced by Marc Upson on RC paper (resin coated) Kodak Endura Premier N (mat) Your name in the book
1 SostenitoriSilver color art print 50x60 cm signed and numbered (+ 1 book offered) Art print to choose from photos U or V Delivered with certificate of authenticity Print numbered from 1 to 7 (edition of 7 copies) - CE transport not included Print made by Marc Upson on RC paper (resin coated) Kodak Endura Premier N (mat) Your name in the book
0 SostenitoriGelatin silver B&W art print 50x60 cm signed and numbered (+ 1 book offered) Art print to choose from photos A, AB, AC, W, X, Y and Z Issued with a certificate of authenticity Each print numbered from 1 to 7 (edition of 7 copies) Print produced by Fred Goyeau on Bergger Prestige variable CB baryta paper Transport not included
1 SostenitoriGelatin silver print EXCEPTIONAL DIPTYQUE 58x20 cm PIECE "SREBRENICA HILLS" 2 B&W prints assembled for 1 art print signed and numbered + floating box frame with marie-louise Art print numbered from 1 to 5 - 5 copies only available Delivered with certificate of authenticity 2 books offered 5 contributors maximum - transport France included Print produced by Fred Goyeau on baryté paperBergger Prestige variable CB Your name in the book
0 SostenitoriBusiness Pack / 25 books + a presentation of the book by Fabrice Dekoninck + your logo in the book - contact us to receive all the offers proposed to the partners (with possibility of tax exemption if purchase of art prints).
1 SostenitoriName | Donate Amount | Date |
---|---|---|
Salima Yakhlef | €45 | October 08, 2023 |
Pascal MIGNERY | €95 | August 19, 2023 |
Elmina Mujovic | €45 | July 13, 2023 |
Adrien Touminet | €45 | June 09, 2023 |
Anonymous | €30 | May 23, 2023 |
Dick Vestdijk | €22 | May 07, 2023 |
Anonymous | €5 000 | January 31, 2023 |
Camille Bessard | €125 | March 24, 2023 |
Ersan Memic | €60 | March 18, 2023 |
Anonymous | €1 012 | March 07, 2023 |
Pierre Raimbault | €45 | March 02, 2023 |
Lejla Menkovic | €95 | February 27, 2023 |
Nermina Malkic | €75 | February 27, 2023 |
Francesco Premi | €215 | February 25, 2023 |
Benjamin Jung | €45 | February 24, 2023 |
Anonymous | €75 | February 23, 2023 |
Caroline Soualle | €45 | February 22, 2023 |
Kseniya Kravtsova | €45 | February 21, 2023 |
Jasmin Merdanovic | €95 | February 20, 2023 |
Catherine Mano | €45 | February 11, 2023 |
Minella Mujdzic | €57 | February 08, 2023 |
philippe simon | €125 | February 06, 2023 |
Alexandre Melin | €80 | February 04, 2023 |
Amina Adams | €75 | February 03, 2023 |
Etienne Rousseau | €57 | February 01, 2023 |
Kristina Koch | €53 | February 01, 2023 |
frederic grosjean | €45 | January 31, 2023 |
Anonymous | €57 | January 31, 2023 |
Süreye Betül Canakci | €53 | January 31, 2023 |
Bruno Labarbere | €45 | January 29, 2023 |
Enes Krkic Zlata Mujagic | €212 | January 28, 2023 |
Guy Lutringer | €900 | January 28, 2023 |
Safia BALIC | €80 | January 28, 2023 |
Selma Sendo Ljevakovic | €60 | January 27, 2023 |
Andrei Nikolaev | €20 | January 27, 2023 |
Jef Derréal | €80 | January 27, 2023 |
Srđan Šušnica | €60 | January 26, 2023 |
oriane perreaux | €57 | January 26, 2023 |
Yvan Gouttebelle | €515 | January 26, 2023 |
Cendrine Du welz | €57 | January 26, 2023 |
Anne-Sophie Batty | €62 | January 26, 2023 |
Natacha Guermonprez | €45 | January 26, 2023 |
jean francois CHRISTOPHE | €45 | January 26, 2023 |
Paul-Emmanuel MOULIN | €45 | January 26, 2023 |
Ulfeta Hodzic | €45 | January 26, 2023 |
Dinela Hodzic | €45 | January 26, 2023 |
Vahid Suljic | €45 | January 26, 2023 |
Dzemil Hodzic | €45 | January 26, 2023 |
Alexandra Portmann | €95 | January 25, 2023 |
Anonymous | €60 | January 25, 2023 |
Anonymous | €50 | January 25, 2023 |
Udruzenje "OGBIH-JD" | €115 | January 25, 2023 |
Alem Sabanovic | €80 | January 24, 2023 |
Denis McCready | €45 | January 24, 2023 |
Anonymous | €112 | January 23, 2023 |
Gregory Dinner | €60 | January 23, 2023 |
Anonymous | €95 | January 22, 2023 |
Sanela BALIC | €45 | January 22, 2023 |
Sanela BALIC | €45 | January 22, 2023 |
Azra Dzafic | €5 | January 22, 2023 |
Sylvain Demange | €125 | January 22, 2023 |
Anonymous | €110 | January 22, 2023 |
Adnan Mahmutovic | €95 | January 22, 2023 |
Ajdin Grcić | €57 | January 21, 2023 |
Francesca Delli Quadri | €95 | January 21, 2023 |
Haris Kadic | €95 | January 21, 2023 |
Juliette Layet | €45 | January 20, 2023 |
PHILIPPE RAYBAUDI | €45 | January 19, 2023 |
Senad Mujic | €60 | January 18, 2023 |
Muamer Mustafić | €54 | January 18, 2023 |
Emina Ademovic | €45 | January 18, 2023 |
Jose Antonio Sanchez Manzano | €54 | January 17, 2023 |
Ombeline Duprat | €45 | January 16, 2023 |
Felix John Attard | €75 | January 15, 2023 |
Frederic Giot | €125 | January 15, 2023 |
Hugo Taisne | €80 | January 14, 2023 |
Alain Combémorel | €45 | January 13, 2023 |
Ismael Riazul | €125 | January 13, 2023 |
Anonymous | €59 | January 13, 2023 |
Rachel Lemlijn | €54 | January 12, 2023 |
Marie Claire Soualle | €45 | January 12, 2023 |
Claudia Heinermann | €54 | January 11, 2023 |
Paula Sousa | €89 | January 11, 2023 |
Arnaud Vaulerin | €45 | January 10, 2023 |
Olivier d’Angély | €200 | January 09, 2023 |
Zlatan Mujagic | €54 | January 09, 2023 |
Satko Mujagic | €209 | January 09, 2023 |
Fabrizio Minini | €54 | January 07, 2023 |
Emmanuel Soyez | €54 | January 04, 2023 |
Philippe Kalmbach | €509 | January 03, 2023 |
Kristian Skeie | €60 | December 26, 2022 |
Guillaume ANCEL | €45 | December 26, 2022 |
Matthieu Defrance | €54 | December 25, 2022 |
stephanie rousel | €45 | December 25, 2022 |
Hira Aftab | €54 | December 23, 2022 |
Admira Fazlić | €54 | December 23, 2022 |
Stéphanie Leroux | €45 | December 23, 2022 |
Melisa Merdanovic | €60 | December 23, 2022 |
Arry Van Weyenbergh | €54 | December 22, 2022 |
Audrey Toëlen | €54 | December 22, 2022 |
Jennie Blythe | €54 | December 22, 2022 |
Ajla KUDUZOVIC | €45 | December 22, 2022 |
Patrick Bories | €45 | December 22, 2022 |
Sarah Palic | €80 | December 22, 2022 |
Charlotte Wilson | €54 | December 22, 2022 |
patrick wack | €45 | December 22, 2022 |
Alisa Fetahovic | €140 | December 22, 2022 |
Emmanuelle Sansoe | €215 | December 22, 2022 |
Michel Villée | €134 | December 22, 2022 |
Elida Besic | €89 | December 22, 2022 |
Didier Aujouannet | €45 | December 22, 2022 |
Doris Sessolo | €54 | December 21, 2022 |
Doris Sessolo | €134 | December 21, 2022 |
Adis Mildon | €60 | December 21, 2022 |
Dubois Daniel Léo | €45 | December 21, 2022 |
Marc CAPELLE | €50 | December 21, 2022 |
Sophie et Benjamin Courtier | €54 | December 21, 2022 |
Cécile Bresson | €45 | December 21, 2022 |
Eric Espinosa | €134 | December 21, 2022 |
guillaume origoni | €45 | December 21, 2022 |
Anonymous | €300 | December 19, 2022 |
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