Kristina Leko's 'Amerika' Exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art Zagreb Explores Croatian Diaspora

In May and June of 2005, the Museum of Contemporary Art Zagreb showcased Kristina Leko's project titled 'Amerika,' which centered on elderly Croatian émigré women residing in New York. Employing ethnographic techniques, Leko built rapport through interviews, aided by a parish priest and her role as a church school teacher. The exhibition included a prominent American flag, five blackboards featuring the women’s narratives, personal artifacts, and home videos. By referring to the women as co-authors, Leko questioned traditional institutional hierarchies. The project delves into themes of contested identities and the American Dream, reflecting on community life and contemporary anthropology, while the title 'Amerika' serves as a critique of the American Dream and highlights the experiences of the Croatian diaspora.