Cruising through Belgrade on his motorbike, Serbian photographer Mirko Nahmijas uncovers a Starwars Architecture themed haven in the Serbian capital. The photo series entitled Minimal Belgrade highlights the city’s brutalist architecture. Although these structures seem otherworldly they actually turned up in the ’70s. Popularized during communist rule, brutalist architecture was common in the former Yugoslavia.
“When you’re born here, you never notice the buildings”
The photo series itself found its inspiration when Nahmijas was visiting a friend and chanced upon the Miltary Medical Academy. Each photo shows a complex and bold structure with the stark backdrop of the clear blue sky. The structures, captured through the lens of Nahmijas’ Canon 6D show a rawness and daring character to the capital. Nahmijas points out how it’s easy to ignore these Starwars themed structures when you see them every day.
The Military Medical Academy – Photography: Mirko Nahmijas
“When you’re born here, you never appreciate it, you never notice the buildings”. Luckily, Nahmijas captured all the brutalist buildings across Belgrade which are 40 in total. The city’s futuristic feel has put a spotlight on big-city architecture over time.
The Military Medical Academy – Photography: Mirko Nahmijas
Starwars Architecture in the Heart of Belgrade:
1. Starwars themed Long-lasting Photo Prints
Museum of Yugoslav History – Photography: Mirko Nahmijas
What is particularly interesting about Nahmijas’ series is not simply the Starwars theme but also the medium he chose for his photo printing. The photos are printed on high-gloss lightweight aluminum rather than canvas. By infusing the colors into the metalwork, the prints are more vibrant than the traditional canvas print.
Museum of Yugoslav History – Photography: Mirko Nahmijas
Printing the photos on aluminum not only emphasizes the Starwars aesthetic but is a way to have a long-lasting and enduring copy of these photos. But, for those not wanting the futuristic feel, Nahmijas also offers the option to purchase his prints on canvas.
2. Struggles & hopes
Photography: Mirko Nahmijas
The biggest struggle Nahmijas encountered in his project was adjusting his position to truly capture each unique building. “Many of the buildings are ruined by billboards now, so I would have to choose the right angle. That was the hardest part”. Nahmias also expressed his love of the bold lines implemented in the structures and hopes that this style of architecture will return to cities and Europe’s public spaces.
