Ljiljana Maletin Vojvodić //

In August 2024, I joined a Konstepidemin artist-in-residence program in Gothenburg to work on a novel. However, I spent too much time online, scrolling and researching, which made it difficult to concentrate. I could only ‘write’ while walking, chatting with other artists, biking, or even dreaming. Sitting down to write proved challenging, so I decided not to force it.

Amidst the political, environmental, and social issues surrounding me, and the pervasive feelings of anger and violence ― particularly towards women and marginalized groups ― I realized that I needed a change of environment to recharge. I needed to break away from my routine and join Konstepidemin’s project in Sweden.

With this new perspective, I embarked on a photo performance project to explore my various roles and identities—those I embrace, reject, or am uncertain about. By placing myself in different settings, I delved into themes such as abuse, misogyny, gender roles, aging, and my connection to nature.

I reflected on my identity and the dynamics of observing and being observed.

Using a wig and a dress from a second-hand shop in Gothenburg, I documented my struggles with inspiration, identity, gender roles, societal expectations, and the (cultural) landscapes around me.

Photos became a new medium for expressing stories I couldn’t convey through writing.

Will this enhance my writing? I’m not sure, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process.