Documentary with a three-dimensional video simulation done in collaboration with Natasa Teofilovic shows dramatic aplication changes to the architecture complex of The Old Fairs in Belgrade since it was built in 1937.
Author’s Klaric and Teofilovic with Goethe Institute support provide a picture of Belgrade’s historically important events by employing documentary material to analyse the location chronologically through the prism of time and space.
(1937-1941) represents the years during which this was a great international fair, where, for instance, the first TV program from Philip`s pavilion was shown in 1939.
(1941-1945) the most horrid place in the earth – the place was transformed into a Nazi camp and Gestapo office.
(1945-1952) denotes the time of postwar enthusiasm. During these years, work brigades and The Agency for the Construction of New Belgrade – the “capitol” of the new communist regime, formed their offices here.
The fourth period began in 1952 by giving the premises of Old Fairs to The Association of Plastic Art Artists of Serbia to be used as artistic studios. After this period there has been a persistent need for reconstruction of this space. The demands for the space, not only physically but also spiritually, can be seen through urban-architectonic projects done for the location (such as the international architectural competition for the National Opera House in the ’70s).
This story shows that metamorphosis is still in process; although situated in one of the most attractive locations in the world, is still disordered and without identity. However the current Serbian government seems to be well on the way to embark on yet another historical phase.
