Which Way Is Left?

Prior to the death of Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia, his wife Jovanka Broz was removed from the public eye without any explanation. Since then, her existence has been shrouded in mystery and her life a fiercely guarded secret by those in power... even today.

Jovanka Broz held an incredible position as an immediate witness and insider of the entire turbulent epoch in the history of Yugoslavia. Many believe her secluded lifestyle comes as a consequence of the enormous difficulty she faced after Tito’s death, when all of her property was nationalized and she was placed under house arrest. As of 2006, she was reported to be living in poverty, after a government inquiry found that her home, had received no maintenance since her detention.

The artist stands beneath a framed picture of Tito. Carefully she changes her clothes, makeup and hair to resemble the style of Jovanka. As the artist turns her back to public she begins to wash the picture with water from a bucket beneath her feet. The more she washes, the more the picture becomes unclean.

Production: City of Women

Organisation: City of Women; In collaboration with: Škuc Gallery; Archives of the Republic of Slovenia.