Sketch of my uniform at the window (Marshal Tito Barracks, Sarajevo, 13.2.1991) 1991

Editor: We're looking at Alfred Freddy Krupa's "Sketch of my uniform at the window (Marshal Tito Barracks, Sarajevo, 13.2.1991)," a pencil drawing from 1991. The sketch is loose, unfinished even, showing a military uniform hanging by a window. There's something melancholic about it. What do you see in this piece, especially given the historical context? Curator: This seemingly simple sketch carries a powerful weight. The uniform, hanging limp, becomes a symbol of vulnerability and perhaps the quiet dread preceding conflict. Consider, 1991, Sarajevo – the date is explicitly stated. We're on the cusp of the Bosnian War. The window suggests a world outside, one that's about to shatter. Do you see how the artist uses the rough lines, the incompleteness, to convey a sense of unease? Editor: Absolutely. It’s not a glorification of military service, but rather a… preparation for something awful? Like a calm before the storm? Curator: Precisely. And the act of sketching itself becomes significant. It’s a moment of contemplation, of documentation. It's the artist wrestling with what the uniform *represents*. Are there expectations of heroism, or a forced allegiance to something they're not sure they believe in? Look at how the uniform almost resembles a shroud hanging there. That's heavy symbolism. Editor: So, it's not just a picture of a uniform; it’s about identity, duty, and the impending loss of peace. Curator: Yes. And how personal history intersects with cultural memory. The simple act of sketching this particular garment in this location, in this moment, ensures that this image continues to resonate beyond its humble materials. It prompts questions of belonging, loyalty, and what it means to stand on the brink. Editor: I see it so differently now. Thank you. Curator: It is my pleasure.