Brutalism is a celebrated and controversial movement in post-war architecture. Some see the bare concrete structures as sculptural and impressive, while others experience them as harsh and intimidating. In the exhibition Monuments of the Collective you discover the brutalist structures of the former Yugoslavia, captured by architectural photographer Rob ’t Hart.

After the Second World War, Yugoslavia attempts to carve out  a collective identity through architecture, separate from that of its European neighbors. Cities and public spaces are designed with national solidarity in mind, all within a modernist framework that simultaneously showed respect for local traditions. Across the various countries that emerged after the break-up of Yugoslavia the region, you will find a range of unique and astounding buildings and monuments. This includes many cultural centers, parks, monuments, and communal spaces designed to promote collaboration and community life.

Since 2018, architectural photographer Rob ’t Hart has been capturing his fascination with the architecture and landscapes of Yugoslavia in a personal way. With his camera by his side, ’t Hart has traveled more than 28,000 kilometers through the region. During these countless journeys, he discovers forgotten places, collects unique source material and meets architect Marko Mušič — a pivotal figure within Yugoslavian architecture from the 1970s onwards.