These roses are not real flowers. They are made out of shrapnel that the natives have painted red, turning them into beautiful roses that explode out onto the town’s pavements. Post-war Bosnia is a delicate thing to photograph, the people of Sarajevo wish to draw a line under this whole period, which is far removed from the dynamic and emblematic image we were used to seeing before war broke out. All the Sarajevans photographed have allowed their picture to be taken, so to highlight their differences, regardless of religion, social status and politics. I decided to photograph close friends who hold opposing different religious beliefs, in order to create a bridge of communication and fraternity. The orthodox Serbians, catholics Croatians and muslims Bosnians, that I have encountered: represent the differences embodied within Bosnian society. Each « pair « represents two different religions. Sarajevo is their city forever , they feel well and describe it as a highly symbolic place of brotherhood that is again in search of its identity. This fragile capital city in perpetual renovation and decomposition suffers a total abandonment of the state. Despite the atrocious events from the past , Berina , Vanja , Fuad , Kristina , and Igor are still optimistic and contribute to a strong and open Bosnia despite some feelings of tension between communities. They continue to believe in a cosmopolitan city. «Do not let go « this is their motto.
Didier Bizet. Sarajevo, may 2015.
