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Rethinking Eastern Europe: The Collective

Writer's picture: Diana SerbanDiana Serban

Updated: Nov 29, 2024


A poster with an image of a woman with a scarf covering her head, in a forest, looking into the distance, and the name and date of the exhibition.

Rethinking Eastern Europe  brings together a mix of visual artists engaging in redefining the concept of “Eastern Europe.” 


In May 2024, we first came together in London for a cultural event initiated and curated by Zula Rabikowska. The evening featured a dynamic blend of exhibitions, film screenings, and a symposium, bringing together 18 artists from Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Hungary, Russia, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, the UK, and the USA.


The event's success and impact inspired us to form an artists collective dedicated to further exploring and sharing our work. 


We share memories, culture, fragments of language, a sense of nostalgia and homesickness.

We also carry the complex experiences of migration, loss, and, above all, the feeling of being "othered"—confronted with narrow stereotypes and assumptions about our identities in the countries where we now live. 


We aim to present more nuanced and contemporary depictions of a diverse region often reduced to a homogenous mass and outdated perception. We explore our deep emotional connection to Eastern European countries and their past, honouring their traditions while embracing modernity. This blend creates a multifaceted exploration of identity and memory in Eastern Europe.


Members of the collective :




About our exhibitions:


The UK continues to navigate complex questions surrounding identity, belonging, and community. These issues resonate globally, where shifts in political landscapes and rising nationalist movements add further layers to discussions of unity and division.


Our exhibitions highlight the shared experiences and cultural intersections between Eastern European communities and wider society. Through this exploration, we uncover the rich tapestry of identities, histories, and traditions that define Eastern Europe, while seeking to build bridges between the diverse experiences of these communities and those within the UK.


By delving into themes of identity, memory, and shared heritage, we aim to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities present in both regions. We are interested in unpicking the need to assimilate and blend in after immigration and how we can counteract this fragmentation of the Eastern European community through conversation and thought-provoking visual stories.


We invite audiences to engage with the multifaceted nature of who we are, how we perceive and relate to our heritage, and how we navigate the space "in between cultures."


Since our launch in May, we've had several exhibitions and our work has been featured in British Journal of Photography and Contemporary Lynx.



Let's connect!


Find us on Instagram @re.thinking.eastern.europe.







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