Commissioned by Tito during the 60s and 70s, these giant brutalist structures were located in remote locations over the former Yugoslavian countryside to commemorate sites of WWII battles and concentration camps. Their abstract forms were meant to diffuse possible racial tensions and provide symbols of Slavic unity.
Since the demise of the former Yugolasvia in the 90s, many of the Spomeniks (which translates simply as ‘monuments’) have been torn down or severely neglected, and Dutch photographer Jan Kempanaers has documented 26 of them for a book. He often waited for days to ensure each photo had the same overcast sky in the background.
Some of his pictures of these otherworldly, beautiful objects are currently on show at the Breese Little Gallery in London.
Jan Kempenears at Breese Little Gallery, London EC1, Tuesday – Saturday until 13th July. Free
