Neo-Nazi Vandalism

Within a few days of my posters for the 15th Miroslav Krleža Festival being put up around Zagreb, Croatia, they were torn up and vandalized. This is not the first time. This has been happening for the past three years. The posters for the Miroslav Krleža Festival are probably the most vandalized posters in Zagreb in recent years.

Miroslav Krleža (1893-1981) was a Croatian writer, widely considered the greatest of the 20th century. I created his portrait with his characteristic hat, and because one of his most famous novels is titled Zastave (The Flags), I made his profile from all of the incarnations of the Croatian flag during his lifetime.

In the past, neo-Nazis and nationalists have satisfied themselves by tearing up posters, scratching off Krleža's name and the red stars, and carving a swastika next to one of them. This time, they were not satisfied just with drawing a swastika. This time, they decided to add two more symbols of hatred to the swastika. Letter U with a cross, symbol of the Ustaša, a Croatian fascist movement that nominally ruled the Independent State of Croatia during World War II. And the number 88. 88 is a neo Nazi and white supremacist numerical code for "Heil Hitler." H is the eighth letter of the alphabet, so 88 = HH = Heil Hitler.

And all on the main square, Ban Jelačić Square in the center of Zagreb. 

Here are the reactions of two major Croatian newspapers to this vandalism, Jutarnji list and Večernji list.

Commemoration of Anti-Fascist Struggle Day

On June 21st, to announce the 14th Festival of Miroslav Krleža, my poster and billboard designs were displayed throughout Zagreb, Croatia.

 

Miroslav Krleža (1893-1981) was a Croatian writer who is widely considered to be the greatest Croatian writer of the 20th century. I created his portrait with his very characteristic hat, and because one of his most famous novels is titled Zastave (The Flags), I made his profile out of all incarnations of Croatian flags during his lifetime. 

 

The appearance of posters and billboards coincided with Anti-Fascist Struggle Day (Croatian: Dan antifašističke borbe), which is a public holiday in Croatia. It is observed on June 22nd to commemorate the formation of the First Sisak Partisan Detachment, a Communist-led guerrilla unit during World War II in Yugoslavia on June 22nd, 1941, and in general the uprising of the anti-fascist Croatian wing of the Yugoslav Partisans against the forces of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and their puppet state―Independent State of Croatia.

 

Unfortunately, to "commemorate" that day, someone vandalized one of the billboards—ripping it, scratching off Krleža's name and the red stars, and carving a swastika next to one of them. Thanks to the swift response of the organizers from Teatar poezije Zagreb, the billboard was replaced the following day.

 

A similar incident with the billboard occurred during last year's festival, though without the swastika.

 

 

 

My Design for the "14th Festival of Miroslav Krleža"

These days the city of Zagreb, Croatia is displaying my poster and billboard design, announcing the 14th Festival of Miroslav Krleža.

The festival is organized by Goran Matovic and Teatar poezije Zagreb. 

Miroslav Krleža (1893-1981) is the most celebrated Croatian writer. I created his profile wearing his very characteristic hat. Because one of his most famous novels is titled Zastave (The Flags) I made his profile out of all incarnations of Croatian flags during his lifetime. 

The poster is very successful but controversial because of the symbols in the past incarnations of the Croatian flags. Also, this poster design has received lots of attention and many international awards.

That is why this is the 4th year in a row that the festival has been using a variation of my design.

Here you can see the original poster and billboard design.

 

Today on the Streets of Zagreb, Croatia

My billboard and poster announcement design for the 13th Miroslav Krleža Festival are on the streets of Zagreb, Croatia again today for the third time. 

Miroslav Krleža (1893-1981) was the most celebrated Croatian writer. In 2021, I was asked to create a poster and billboard for the 10th Miroslav Krleža Festival. I created Krleža’s profile wearing his characteristic hat, and because one of his most famous novels is titled Zastave (The Flags), I made his profile out of all incarnations of Croatian flags during his lifetime.

Originally, the organizer of the festival, Teatar Poezije Zagreb, assigned a new poster design every year. Because they were pleased with my designs they have used it every year since.

 

Design for The Festival Miroslav Krleža

To announce the "12th Festival Miroslav Krleža", the festival posted posters and billboards throughout the city of Zagreb, Croatia. I created this design two years ago for the "10th Festival Miroslav Krleža". The design was quite successful, so instead of assigning a new design every year, the festival decided to make this their permanent identity. 

Miroslav Krleža (1893-1981) was the most celebrated Croatian writer. I created characteristic Krleža’s profile out of all incarnations of Croatian flags during his lifetime. One of his most famous novels is titled "Zastave" (The Flags).

I created this design with help from Studio Imago from Croatia.

You can see more images of my designs for prior festivals here and here.