Jasmina Cibic's film Tear Down and Rebuild explores soft power and national identity at Mercer Gallery

Jasmina Cibic's video work Tear Down and Rebuild examines how authoritarian regimes use culture as psychological control. The film features a scripted debate about demolition and nation-building, shot within Belgrade's Palace of the Federation. This modernist structure originally hosted the 1961 Non-Aligned Movement conference. Cibic's practice investigates how political interests appropriate art and architecture to reinforce national identity. She questions what constitutes national cultural capital today, particularly relevant amid global socio-political crises. The artist recently completed photographic portraits collaborating with human rights institutions including the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court. These vanitas-style images address critical human rights issues through floral arrangements. Cibic's work at Mercer Gallery continues until 30 September 2024. Her artistic approach remains context-specific across films, photographs, and installations. All works share a focus on art's potential as a critical inquiry tool. The exhibition Power & Identity: Five Women Filmmakers offers free entry at the Harrogate venue.