City, Merlons, and Heavenly Turmoil
The exhibition presents 22 striking and unconventional photographs of the city's míri (merlons), accompanied by carefully crafted texts. By uniting image and word into a single work, the authors highlight the beauty and unique character of the space that surrounds us.
"In our city, even the merlons are sometimes embraced by clouds, and at other times attacked by heavy, dark shadows. And the merlons remain—steadfast. Steadfast in both time and place. As time changes, clouds drift around them and centuries pass. Their quiet strength enchants us again and again. And they were shaped by human hands. Mystical, fairytale-like, solid and secure. A bond of unconditional love was formed between human and stone. This heritage, this stone, carefully laid, together with the wonders of nature, melds into the most beautiful embrace and brings beauty into our everyday lives.
Because of this, privileged as we are to be surrounded and guided on our path by such sights, we should walk with our eyes wide open—and know how to see. (...) Let us be grateful if, in this coming year, we too remain just as steadfast, if the most dangerous clouds pass us by. And such clouds always exist and always will. But both dark and white clouds bring their own changes. What matters is that our 'fortresses' endure. That our 'stone' remains strong, joined and reconciled with all the transformations time brings—just like the stones of Dubrovnik's city walls. For beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. The beauty of everything: of stone, of merlons, of sky and sea, and of human life. And in every day on the calendar," writes Irja Jerković in the introductory text.
Pavuša Babarović served as a ship officer during his career, later working in the IT sector and in the administration of the City of Dubrovnik. Photography has been his lifelong passion. To date, he has held six highly acclaimed solo exhibitions and participated in two group exhibitions. He was born in Dubrovnik, where he continues to live and work.
Irja Jerković is a teacher and writer, author of books for both children and adults. After studying comparative literature and philosophy, she worked in journalism and later became the permanent head of a school library. She writes poetry, prose and literary reviews. Her work for children has also been featured internationally, including special editions for blind and visually impaired children. For many years she has been preparing and hosting a literary radio programme on Radio Dubrovnik dedicated to promoting reading, love of books and cultural heritage. She was born in Dubrovnik, where she continues to live and work.
The exhibition will remain open until 29 December and can be visited daily, except on Sundays and public holidays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
