Nela Milic | Exploring Memory, Conflict, and Community

 

The exhibition Exploring Memory, Conflict, and Community by Nela Milic at Centrala presents an insightful examination of personal and collective histories through art. This exhibition runs from the 1st of October 2024 to the 9th of November 2024, offering a powerful reflection on how memory, conflict, and community intersect in the artist's work. The exhibition, created with the artist's residency, features a series of mixed-media pieces that really delve into the impact of historical events on individual and societal identities with an aim to bring the community together.

The exhibition is thoughtfully arranged, with each section focusing on a different aspect of memory and conflict. Visitors enter the space and are greeted by a large-scale installation that immediately sets the tone. This was Text Illumination, a beautiful piece of artwork that consists of a shrouded box with a lit background highlighting interchangeable letters hanging down. This central work is a breathtaking focal point; it fully inspires the viewers by drawing attention to the delicate interplay between memory and trauma. Throughout the exhibition, Milic's use of materials such as old camera film underscores the show's thematic concerns. One notable piece, wrapper, is a multimedia installation that incorporates camera film, photography, and videos, capturing the tension between past and present. The juxtaposition of personal memories with broader historical contexts encourages a dynamic conversation between the works and the viewers; it evokes a thought about the significance of the works and the memories that built them. Furthermore, Milic states, "It's particularly related to women" (Milic, 2024). It is significant to include women's experiences, highlighting how gender shapes how memories of conflict are formed and shared. By focusing on women's roles in both personal and collective histories, Milic challenges dominant narratives, emphasizing the resilience and contributions of women in shaping community identity and preserving memory during times of conflict.

Nela Milic, Text Illumination, 2018

The exhibition's central thesis revolves around how memory and conflict impact our understanding of community and individual identity. Milic uses her works to explore how collective histories—particularly those marked by conflict—can shape the memories of those affected. The use of the old camera film invites viewers to reflect on the fragility of memory while also considering how history is passed down through generations. The artist's work challenges us to think critically about the emotional and psychological scars left by conflict and the resilience of communities in the face of trauma; you view parts of Milic's past through her installation, offering her personal experiences for the viewer to add their own twist.

In text illumination, for example, Milic explores the concept of communal memory and how collective experiences of conflict can bind people together, creating unity and division. Through this piece, the viewer is invited to consider shared memory's power in shaping community identity, particularly in post-conflict societies. "The art piece allows the viewer to move letters around and make it their own using light and text to reflect on the rebuilding of trust in divided societies" (MutualArt, 2024). The significance of this approach lies in its ability to foster a sense of connection among individuals. By rearranging letters to create words and adapt meanings, participants can express their personal experiences and emotions meaningfully; if truth be told, it "delves into memory preservation through interaction"(Centrala, 2024). Consequently, this process encourages self-reflection and communication, leading to a deeper appreciation of each other's stories and challenges. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful tool for building empathy and strengthening community bonds.

Nela Milic, Wrapped, 2024

Curating an exhibition with such strong meaning that deals with such complex themes undoubtedly presents challenges. One potential difficulty is balancing the emotional weight of the subject matter with the need for accessibility. Milic successfully navigated this challenge by organizing the exhibition to allow viewers to engage with the works in their own time, taking step by step to soak in the artwork. The layout encourages contemplation, with quieter, more intimate pieces placed in secluded corners of the gallery, such as camera film, created into bows. At the same time, larger installations draw attention and prompt deeper reflection, like clothing made from the film.

However, some visitors may feel overwhelmed by the work's emotional intensity. Yet, Milic's ability to integrate various media and perspectives allows the exhibition to remain accessible while conveying the profound themes that draw you in, wanting you to know the story behind these works. Overall, Exploring Memory, Conflict, and Community is an eye-opening and thought-provoking exhibition. Milic's creative ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader historical contexts, without a doubt, invites viewers to consider the enduring impact of memory and conflict. The exhibition's success lies in balancing the personal and the collective, allowing for a nuanced exploration of how individuals and communities come together to navigate and examine the aftermath of trauma. The carefully curated selection of works provides a rich and diverse experience for the viewer; each piece offers new insights into the themes of memory, conflict, and community, even if it's working together to create words or viewing the film of photos. The creation of this exhibition is undoubtedly a testament to Milic's creative skill in using art to address complex social issues, making it a compelling, thought-evoking experience for anyone and everyone interested in the intersection of history, identity, and art.

Nela Milic, Wrapped, 2024

In conclusion, Nela Milic's Exploring Memory, Conflict, and Community is a powerful and evocative exhibition that, without a doubt, successfully engages with profound questions about the role of memory in shaping individual and collective identities. Through her skillful use of diverse media, thoughtful curation, and collaboration with the community, Milic creates a space for viewers to reflect on the lasting impact of conflict and the importance of community. This exhibition is an essential contribution to contemporary art, offering valuable insights into the complex ways memory and history intersect.

Bibliography

Centrala (2024). Centrala - Nela Milic | Exploring Memory, Conflict, and Community. [online] Centrala. Available at: https://centrala-space.org.uk/exhibitions/nela-milic-exploring-memory-conflict-and-community/ [Accessed 19 Nov. 2024].

LSE (2018). Text Illuminations: From the Method to the Artefact. [online] LSE Government Blog. Available at: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/government/2018/11/28/text-illuminations-from-the-method-to-the-artefact/ [Accessed 19 Nov. 2024].

Millic, N. (2024). Centrala on Instagram: Nela Milic: Exploring Memory, Conflict, and Community. [online] Instagram. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/centrala_space/reel/DBGliFeC7tf/ [Accessed 19 Nov. 2024].

MutualArt (2024). Nela Milic: Exploring Memory, Conflict, and Community. [online] MutualArt. Available at: https://www.mutualart.com/Exhibition/Nela-Milic--Exploring-Memory--Conflict--/2BA5D866E7B763B2 [Accessed 19 Nov. 2024].

List of illustrations

Milic, N. (2018) Text Illumination [mixed media] Birmingham, Cenrala

Millic, N (2024) Wrapped [camera film, photography, video] Birmingham, Centrala