‘Some fascinations begin with a chance encounter. The architecture I discovered there was raw, uncompromising, and imbued with an unconventional power. What started as a fleeting encounter soon grew into a passion – an obsession even.’ – Rob ’t Hart

On Sunday of Art Week Rotterdam, photographer Rob ’t Hart guided the visitors through his solo exhibition Monuments of the Collective. During this personal tour, Rob made the the hidden stories of his 28,000km journey through former Yugoslavia visible. He talked about the spaces and people he met along the way. Afterwards, people could ask questions and take a look at the exhibition for themselves.

With structures spread across the six republics, the exhibition explores themes of Mass Housing, Palaces for the People, and Spomeniks (post-war memorials). From lush sculptures and innovative housing projects to underground markets and grand revolution squares, the projects scattered today across the former Yugoslavia represent a time of building for people first.