Author - Ivana

Rising Aries: The lunar eclipse will affect your finances. You may act impulsively regarding issues such as credit, inheritance, alimony, spouse or partner’s earnings, etc. You may have a large payment or debt burden. You may undergo a surgical procedure. From the second half of May, you can make ventures to increase your income. Money will flow to you. This is the luckiest and most prosperous period of the last 12 years for you.

Rising Taurus: The lunar eclipse affects your relationships. Relationships that are harmful, outdated, and toxic to you may come to an end. You can start or end relationships to clarify your unclear relationships. From the second half of May, luck will be with you. You can start developing yourself, making new beginnings, and looking at life from an optimistic perspective. The talents that you have not noticed before may come to the surface.

Rising Gemini: The lunar eclipse will affect your routines. You can regulate your habits and start exercising. There may be tension between you and your coworkers. You may quit your job and start a new one or get a promotion. Your health problems may arise. From the second half of May, you may be interested in activities that are good for your soul and occult subjects. You may want to isolate yourself. It is a great period to get therapy.

Rising Cancer: The lunar eclipse affects your children. Beware of unplanned pregnancies. You can leave anything that doesn’t give you pleasure. You may take a risky loan financially. In your love life, you can finish uncertain situations. From the second half of May, your social circle may expand. You may encounter opportunities to achieve your dreams and goals. You can take an active role in crowded groups, associations, and foundations. You may spend time on charity work. You can be more visible on social media.

Rising Leo: The lunar eclipse can affect your family and bring hidden issues to light, such as crises related to inheritance and debt. Those considering moving or leaving the family home may make clear decisions during this period. From the second half of May, there may be a rise in the field of work and career. Business owners may expand their businesses, while others may receive promotions or salary increases. Additionally, one may find a better job and experience a change in status.

Rising Virgo: The lunar eclipse can affect your thoughts and cause you to use harsh words and behavior towards those in your immediate circle. You may need to pay attention to short-distance travel. You can end previous agreements and clarify thoughts that have been occupying your mind for some time. From the second half of May, a lucky period may begin for foreigners, overseas issues, higher education, and legal matters. Those involved in imports, exports, and international relations may also be fortunate. If you have agendas related to obtaining a passport, visa, or traveling abroad, you can take action. Additionally, you may experience intensity in beliefs and philosophical topics, and start an education in a foreign language. If you have legal agendas, the outcome may be in your favor.

Rising Libra: The lunar eclipse can affect your income and bring up issues that require you to organize your financial matters. You may create a new budget plan and enter a period where your sources of income may decrease. You may search for new sources and spend money to develop your talents. From the second half of May, there may be luck and opportunities related to inheritance, alimony, credit, and debt. You may earn money from other people’s funds or increase your spouse’s income. There may be an increase in earnings obtained from partnerships, and you may develop yourself spiritually and focus on occult topics. Additionally, if you apply for a scholarship or credit, the outcome may be positive.

Rising Scorpio: The lunar eclipse is affecting you completely. You may go through an important change and transformation, rise from your ashes, and make radical changes. It’s time to molt. From the second half of May, you will have luck and opportunities in the field of marriage, relationships, and partnerships. You can start a new partnership or start a long-term relationship if you’re single. If you’re in a relationship, you can take steps like getting engaged or married. Those who are married can receive beautiful support from their spouse.

Rising Sagittarius: The lunar eclipse is affecting your subconscious. You can heal by purifying yourself from everything that affects you negatively in your subconscious and confronting your fears. Your hidden enemies may come to light, and you may want to be isolated. From the second half of May, you’ll have a lucky period in your work life. Job seekers may find a job, while employees may have increased workload. You may acquire pets. If you have health issues, you can get good results. Your responsibilities in daily life may increase.

Rising Capricorn: The lunar eclipse is affecting your friendships. You may end some of your friendships, leave your membership in groups and associations, and completely delete goals that you couldn’t achieve despite planning. From the second half of May, you’ll have luck and opportunities in your love life, with children and hobbies. You can have a flirt or start a new relationship. Those who want to have children will have the universe on their side. Those with children may experience beautiful developments. You’ll also have abundance and prosperity in investment. You can discover new hobbies and enjoy entertainment.

Rising Aquarius: The lunar eclipse affects your career. You may change your profession or workplace. This is a period when you will evaluate your status in society and make new decisions. From the second half of May, luck and opportunities will be on your side in the areas of home, family, real estate, and property. If you are living with family, you may move into your own home. You may engage in ventures such as buying a house or land. There may be renovation or relocation agendas. If there are any problems at home, you can resolve them during this period.

Rising Pisces: The lunar eclipse affects topics related to overseas and higher education. There may be clarifications and completions in areas such as overseas, academic, and legal matters. You may experience changes in your fanatic beliefs, and your perspective on life may change. From the second half of May, luck and opportunities will be with you in the areas of your immediate surroundings, education, short trips, and commerce. You can make money from these areas. Opportunities may arise in fields such as communication, sales, marketing, and media. You may make a leap into commerce. Your immediate surroundings may expand.

Author: Gamze Tezer
Translate: Aysenur Kursun

In this interview we talked with Nenad Borovčak from GOKUL about how he manages the event processes and how he started organising these events.

GOKUL Association is an organisation that wants to become a relevant and recognisable cultural institution that will meet the needs of the local community with its participation in the field of contemporary art practices, its programme and attract an audience of a wider region. We want to strengthen our organisation by offering a quality gallery, film and music programme on this track. The primary mission of this organisation is the promotion of contemporary art and independent culture. We strive to achieve our goal by strengthening and encouraging civil society, organising contemporary art exhibitions, independent film screenings and independent music concerts. The organisation operates in a local context with a passion for networking with regional, national and international partners from the world of art and culture.

Me: I want to make an interview about your perspective because I’ve noticed that you always have a unique approach. I’m particularly interested in your thoughts on music and concerts.

Nenad: I’m interested in a wide range of things, not just music. In film, for example, we work on small cinematography or documentaries, as well as host workshops for children. Last year, we even had a famous artist from Croatia lead a documentary workshop on the topic of children and violence, among other things.

This year, before the pandemic, I organised about six gigs a month, which equates to around 50 to 60 concerts per year. I don’t just book local bands, but bands from all regions. Even a band from Australia played here once. When you’re a club in Croatia, it’s very hard to book last-minute concerts because most serious clubs plan their programs six months or a year in advance. But I’m not like that. I might book a few concerts a year in advance, but I’m open to last-minute requests if I’m free and if I like the band.

I want to support the music scene, especially the kind of bands that are not so well-known but have potential. I’m looking for good music, not just big crowds. To help develop the music scene, I check out bands and if I like them and think they have potential, I’ll support them.

These days, most of our concerts are outdoor events that we hold in our yard. It’s a great location with a terrace, some green grass, and trees. We don’t just have music events there; we also hold film screenings, literature nights, and exhibitions. We’re always trying to connect different forms of art.

Actually, our long-term goal is to turn this place into a small club. There was an empty building here before, but the dormitory on the hill moved here, so we’re now sharing the space. We used to call the building the “old school”. Our idea was that if we could move to the empty building, it would be a great opportunity to start something new. I think it’s a beautiful facility and has a lot of potentials to become a bigger and better space for art and music events. We’re working on merging our resources with other partners to make it happen.

Q: Can you tell us about your thoughts on the role of artists in the community?

Nenad: We have to communicate with society. Artists have to be like researchers and not just come with paintings. They have to connect with the workshops and collaborate with the locals. This also applies to music, not just playing commercial tunes. We need workshops, residencies, and camps for artists to connect with the local community. Artists can live in the community for a year, produce music or art, and become a part of the community. This way, they can make a meaningful impact on the community. Cultural workers can also contribute by managing regeneration and connecting with people to bring in more resources and funding.
We have the Kiki Festival, a small film festival, with five programs divided by age group, ranging from kindergarten to high school. After each film, we discuss it with the kids and teach them about film techniques and other related topics. It’s important to involve children in the arts from a young age.
Art and culture have brought our town to life. They have connected us with people and resources from all over Europe, bringing in millions of euros every year. It’s important to be open to new ideas and to collaborate with others to create a thriving community.

Can you tell us about your musical taste and how you discovered your interest in lesser-known alternative bands?

Nenad: I started collecting records when I was 10 years old, and I started with the Beatles because my father brought me some records, like “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Help!” When I was 11, I had about 15 Beatles albums, and then I started getting into more recent hard rock music and heavy metal. Most of the people here listen to that kind of music, and we also have a good scene for it. We had the New Wave movement, which was also popular in the UK and the US.

My favorite band is Discipline of the Spine, a radical band from that time, along with Kitchen Discipline from Belgrade. I also listened to Post-Punk and Indie music, which is still popular today. I was also into Hip Hop, but more underground Hip Hop, and a bit of jazz Hip Hop, which came with the Beastie Boys two years ago.

My idea was to organize concerts here, and I started doing that more than 30 years ago. We didn’t have space back then, so we started with a festival called “Tabla Fest,” which was well-known in the region. People came from all over to attend the concerts every night. At the beginning, we had a huge amount of people, sometimes up to 500. We had some bigger festivals, but it depended on recycling, and today it’s hard because there are many festivals and concerts.

The town and municipality also organize events, but they can afford to pay more famous, mainstream bands. We can’t afford that, especially for independent bands, so we try to bring in very good bands, even better than mainstream ones, but unknown.

Nenad, could you give us some examples of bands that you have brought to your festivals or concerts that you feel are lesser known but deserve more recognition?

Nenad: Sure, I have brought many great bands to our events over the years. One example is a band from the US that we were able to book for a very reasonable fee. They were an amazing band and would normally charge much more for a European tour, but they were in between gigs and looking for a place to play. We were able to offer them a great experience, with a place to sleep, food to eat, and a receptive audience to perform for. It was a win-win situation for both the band and our audience.

Another band that stands out in my mind is one that played a unique style of music that was a blend of metal and oriental music. It was unlike anything I had ever heard before, and it was a fantastic performance that left a lasting impression on everyone who was there.

We have also had some great jazz bands and musicians perform at our events, as well as some local up-and-coming musicians who we have been able to support and give a platform to. It’s always a great feeling to see a new artist get discovered and gain recognition for their talent.

http://www.gokul.hr/

How interested are you in human psychology? I’ve been interested in it for as long as I can remember. What determines our behavior? What emotions drive us to unknown places? The human mind is a huge place. It never ceases to amaze me.

I find it hard to decide whether external factors are the most important thing that shapes our lives, or what kind of person we are. For me, it is important to fight to be who you think you are, despite everything. But how much I know myself is something I can never be sure of.

Now I am facing the realization of something else. Human relationships, regardless of place, time, or culture, revolve around similar psychologies. Growing up in a different culture changes the way you communicate, but when you stop and think about it, the dynamics behind the behaviors are similar to human emotions.

What does it take to be human? We are social animals, sometimes I think that is the most difficult step in life. Living in a community, fulfilling needs, and existing, all these things involve communication. I think the only reason why communication is still so difficult after such a long human history is nothing but psychology.

I remember the first time I did the 16 personality test. To be able to fit a world of almost eight billion people into 16 different personalities… Of course, we are not just this person in the personality test. But it always seems to me a clear sign that a world so crowded, so full of ethnic diversity, cultural diversity, experiences, and memories, is as round as it is a circle.

One popular model for understanding personality is the “Big Five” personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. These traits are believed to represent the most significant dimensions of personality, and understanding them can provide insights into how individuals differ from one another.

Speaking of communication, it is indeed a crucial aspect of human relationships. Despite our differences in culture and language, we all share a basic need to connect with others and to feel understood. This need for connection and understanding is rooted in our innate social nature as human beings.

Ultimately, the study of human psychology is a fascinating and infinitely complex endeavor. While external factors such as culture and geography can certainly influence our behavior and emotions, there are also many innate factors that shape who we are as individuals. By continuing to explore and understand the workings of the human mind, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexity and richness of the human experience.

One of the most interesting aspects of human psychology is the fact that people can look at the same thing and see different things. This phenomenon is known as perception, and it’s an essential part of how we interpret and understand the world around us. Our perceptions can be influenced by a range of factors, including our experiences, beliefs, and emotions.

I want to think about the reasons why people who look at the same thing see different things. I am equally surprised that pink is pink for all of us. Is it enough just to want to understand each other? For me, there is nothing as valuable as the space created by the desire to understand human communication. Maybe all of these sentences sound very disorganized at first glance, but I would like to say that everything in life has similarities and connections on a micro or macro scale.

Despite these individual differences, the desire to understand each other is a powerful force that can bridge gaps in perception and interpretation. When we actively try to understand another person’s perspective, we can gain new insights and broaden our own understanding of the world.

Understanding the complexities of human psychology can help us navigate the challenges of life more effectively. By recognizing the similarities and connections that exist in the world around us, we can gain new insights and broaden our understanding of ourselves and others. Moreover, understanding human psychology can help us be more empathetic and compassionate towards others, as we can better appreciate the experiences that shape their behavior.

If you have read this far, I would like to thank you for bearing witness to what has been going through my mind, my confusion, and my excessive questioning. and I would like to tell you that there is a river where all dispersed thoughts flow like water and converge, and there is a sea where that river arrives. We must embrace stormy days as well as calm seas!

Aysenur Kursun

quiet…
I hear them
their voices, screams
coming from under the ground
if you stop talking, start listening
you can hear their screams too
it is not that scary
even a bit magical
once you hear it
and sense the harmony between them
you will wish them to continue
to keep their chaotic choir on
singing and wailing
the rhythm might spring
or fall sometimes
but the songs will always carry
joy and anger
at the same time

if you listen carefully enough
you can discover the roots
in the soil
in the gust
in the blue
in every step you take
you can hear them
if you want to know their reasons
you might ask
but they only answer the screams
because only they can express
the harm and the lost

and when you raise your voice
to join them
you will understand a secret
that is earth and women
screaming together
they are sharing
the pain and the solidarity
resembling each other
to embrace their struggle
you can share your screams
and till all the universe
comprehend their song
we have to silence others
especially the voices of war
oppression and violence
only then we will be able to
rest and enjoy living
together

Doga Rojda Koldas

I wanted to write about this topic, just to be clear and show my perspective. This issue is important to me. I see a lot of people who don’t understand what feminism means. It’s important because we need to be together if we want to win our rights. But at the same time, I don’t feel strong enough to explain this situation. To tell the truth, I believe deeply in gender equality, and when you believe so much in something, it can make you sensitive inside.

While it is important to address misunderstandings about feminism, failure to understand the diverse perspectives and goals of the movement can result in a loss to address critical issues related to gender-based oppression and inequality, and limit progress toward creating a more equitable and just society for all.

We can start by trying to understand Feminism. I would like to give some theoretical details about this approach. How the idea of feminism starts, how it changes and takes shape, we need to see the whole process.

First-wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which focused primarily on women’s suffrage (the right to vote) and political equality. First-wave feminists advocated for legal and political reforms that would grant women the same rights and opportunities as men. They also worked to challenge the traditional gender roles that limited women’s opportunities and perpetuated gender-based discrimination.

Second-wave feminism emerged in the 1960s and 1970s and was characterized by a focus on social and cultural issues, as well as greater diversity within the feminist movement. Second-wave feminists advocated for reproductive rights, equal pay for equal work, and an end to gender-based violence and discrimination. They also challenged traditional notions of femininity and masculinity and called for greater representation of women in all areas of society.

Third-wave feminism emerged in the 1990s and focused on issues of identity, diversity, and intersectionality. Third-wave feminists sought to broaden the feminist movement to include women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. They also emphasized the importance of individual agency and choice in challenging gender-based inequalities.

It’s worth noting that these waves of feminism are not necessarily distinct or separate from one another, and there are ongoing debates within the feminist movement about the best approaches to achieving gender equality. Nonetheless, the waves of feminism provide a helpful framework for understanding the historical and ideological development of the feminist movement.

On the other hand, there are some important terms about feminism to know what we are talking about.

Gender equality: Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities in all areas of life, including politics, education, employment, and personal relationships. Feminists argue that gender-based discrimination, stereotypes, and violence are all barriers to achieving gender equality.

Intersectionality: Feminists recognize that gender intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, class, sexuality, and ability, to shape individuals’ experiences of oppression and privilege. Intersectionality emphasizes the importance of considering multiple and overlapping forms of oppression when advocating for social justice.

Critique of patriarchy: Feminists critique patriarchal systems of power and domination, which are rooted in traditional gender roles that give men power and control over women. Feminists argue that patriarchy harms both women and men and perpetuates gender-based inequalities.

Empowerment: Feminists seek to empower women and marginalized groups by advocating for their rights and providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. This may involve creating safe spaces for women, supporting women’s economic independence, and promoting women’s leadership roles in all areas of society.

Solidarity: Feminists believe in the importance of building solidarity among women and marginalized groups to challenge systems of oppression and work towards a more just and equitable society. This involves listening to and amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized and advocating for their rights alongside one another.

Ecofeminism: A feminist perspective that emphasizes the interconnections between the oppression of women and the exploitation of the natural environment. Ecofeminism recognizes that the systems of power that perpetuate gender-based oppression are also responsible for environmental destruction and ecological harm.

So how come feminism gets misconstrued?

Misunderstandings about feminism are common and often stem from a lack of education and societal conditioning. One common misconception is that feminism is about female superiority or that feminists hate men. However, this is far from the truth. Feminism is about gender equality and the belief that all individuals should have the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their gender.

Another misunderstanding is the idea that feminism is no longer necessary in modern society. While significant progress has been made in terms of women’s rights, gender inequality and discrimination still exist in many areas of society. Women continue to face challenges in areas such as the workplace, politics, and healthcare. Feminism is still necessary to address these issues and to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and rights.

The patriarchal effect is another concept that is often misunderstood. Patriarchy is a system of social organization in which men hold power and dominate in various aspects of society, such as politics, business, and culture. The patriarchal effect refers to the ways in which patriarchal systems have a negative impact on everyone, including men. Patriarchal systems limit men’s emotional expression, restrict their roles in caregiving, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about masculinity. Feminism seeks to challenge and dismantle these systems to create a more equitable society for all individuals.

It’s important to recognize these misunderstandings and work to educate others about the true goals and values of feminism. By understanding the ways in which gender inequality and discrimination continue to impact society, we can work towards a more just and equitable world for everyone.

Feminism is a monolithic movement with a single agenda: Feminism is a diverse movement with many different perspectives and goals. While all forms of feminism share a commitment to gender equality, there are many different approaches to achieving this goal, and feminists may have different priorities and beliefs about how to best address gender-based inequalities.

Feminists are all the same: Feminists come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse experiences and perspectives. Not all feminists share the same beliefs or priorities, and there is room for debate and disagreement within the feminist movement.

Feminism is only concerned with issues that affect women in wealthy countries: Feminism seeks to address gender-based inequalities and discrimination on a global scale, including issues such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and access to education and healthcare for women in developing countries. Feminism recognizes that gender-based oppression and inequality are universal issues that must be addressed on a global scale.

Can we use gender equality instead of feminism?

Gender equality is the goal of achieving fairness and equal treatment for individuals of all genders. It encompasses issues related to social, economic, and political rights, as well as access to education, healthcare, and other opportunities.

Feminism is a social and political movement that seeks to achieve gender equality and dismantle patriarchal systems of power and oppression. Feminism aims to promote the rights and interests of women, as well as other marginalized groups, and to create a more just and equitable society for everyone.

Both terms are closely related and share the goal of creating a world where all individuals, regardless of their gender, have the same rights and opportunities. So, you can use either or both terms in discussing the topic.

By understanding the history and goals of the feminist movement, we can recognize the ways in which gender-based oppression intersects with other forms of oppression, such as racism, ableism, and homophobia. This understanding can lead to greater awareness of the ways in which gender-based discrimination affects all areas of life, from the workplace to the home, and can inform efforts to create a more equitable and just society for all. Furthermore, understanding feminism can help promote gender equality by providing a basis for advocating for policies and practices that promote gender equity, such as equal pay for equal work, access to reproductive healthcare, and protections against gender-based violence.

Dignity, respect, and justice for all!

Aysenur Kursun

Prodisat ću. Kao šuma, kao stablo kojem gule koru. (Tea Benčić Rimay: Preboljet ću te)

Na posljednjoj plesnoj radionici osjećala sam se kao drvo, kao da smo svi plesači dio prostrane, zelene šume koja zaneseno širi svoje grane. Dok bih plesala, sjećanje mi je neprestano prizivalo rečenicu: Prodisat ću. Kao šuma… Nakon što smo završili s plesom i sjeli na pod, kao što to obično radimo da bismo izmijenili iskustva, podijelila sam tu misao s ostatkom grupe, napomenuvši pritom kako je to citat jedne od mojih najdražih pjesnikinja. Kada sam objasnila da je riječ o autorici Tei Benčić Rimay, dvije su mi se plesačice zapanjeno obratile kazavši da je spomenuta spisateljica bila njihova profesorica u srednjoj školi te da im je značajno promijenila život. Ona me spasila kada mi je bilo najgore u tinejdžerskim danima, kazala je jedna. Sve tri bile smo osupnute spoznajom da u sebi i danas nosimo dio prekrasne osobe i spisateljice te da njene riječi i danas uvelike obilježavaju, upotpunjuju naš život.

Za Teu Benčić Rimay (1956. – 2009.) može se reći da je opskurna hrvatska autorica dvadesetoga stoljeća, koja se bavila manje popularnom književnom formom – pjesmom u prozi. Autoricu danas slavimo upravo jednom književnom nagradom koja se dodjeljuje za stvaralaštvo pjesme u prozi, no zapravo se Benčić Rimay rijetko spominje u književnom kanonu ili školskom kurikulumu. Citat koji mi se upisao u najsitnije atome bića dolazi iz knjige Sipine kosti, a dio je pjesme Preboljet ću te koja se sugestivno bavi odsutnošću ljubljenoga i pokušajem da se bol gubitka prevlada, i to, moglo bi se reći, kroz pisanje samo. Štoviše, cijela knjiga tematizira ljubav, odnosno rekonstrukciju ljubavnoga odnosa, na jedan vrlo osoban, a istovremeno univerzalan način. Knjiga je to koja pulsira strašću i ljudskom ranjivošću te je uvijek rado preporučujem kada govorimo o hrvatskom pjesništvu. Tea Benčić Rimay za mene je nezaobilazna lektira, ali i autorica čije su me pjesme, posebice spomenuta Preboljet ću te, zaista ‘spasile’ u trenucima najveće tuge ljubavnoga rastanka.

Tijelo je voćnjak. Tijelo se sklanja. Tijelo se gura. Tijelo se ozlijedi. Tijelo ustaje. Prazni se. Naraste. Tijelo grli. Tijelo nosi. (Dorta Jagić, Tijelo)

Kada razmišljam o autoricama koje su mi na neki način promijenile životnu perspektivu, moram spomenuti i našu pjesnikinju Dortu Jagić (1974.). Riječ je o nešto poznatijoj autorici koju danas vole i čitatelji i kritičari, a koja je za svoje pjesništvo višestruko nagrađivana. Međutim, mene je pak najviše očarala svojom knjigom kratkih priča Kičma, koju sam slučajno odabrala za pisanje seminara tijekom studija književnosti. Ta mala, no vrlo posebna knjiga možda je teže čitljiva zbog guste metaforike i mnogih tekstualnih slojeva, no posebno je zanimljiva zato što se bavi odnosom ženskoga subjekta prema vlastitome tijelu. Naime, Jagić me nagnala da promislim o tijelu na jedan drugačiji način, da shvatim kako tijelo u isto vrijeme mogu promatrati kao dio sebstva, ali i kao nešto što se nalazi izvan subjekta, kao objekt. Iz toga promatranja proizlaze shvaćanja tijela kao subjekta (jesmo tijelo), objekta (imamo tijelo) te kao procesa i performativnosti (postajemo tijelo), što je danas predmet mnogih multidisciplinarnih istraživanja tijela. Kičma zapravo predstavlja metonimiju tereta ženskoga tijela, ali i različite mogućnosti te fluidan prostor tijela, postavljajući pitanje o budućnosti koja se temelji na svijesti o ženskome tijelu i povezanosti ženske zajednice. Riječ je o knjizi koju bih preporučila svim čitateljicama, a posebice onima koje zanima pisanje poezije, jer je riječ o zaista inspirativnom, poticajnom štivu.

išla kroz šumu išla i sve zaboravila / išla išla išla šuma šuma šuma šuma / zaboravila zaboravite zaboravila (Anka Žagar: išla kroz šumu i sve zaboravila)

Treća autorica koju nikako ne smijem zaobići kada govorim o najdražim hrvatskim književnicama svakako je Anka Žagar (1954.). Riječ je o pjesnikinji koja je odrasla u Gorskom kotaru okružena šumom, planinom i rijekom, mirom prirode i nepresušnim vrelom motiva koje pretače u svoje pjesme. Ono što je najvažnije spomenuti kod pjesništva Anke Žagar jest to da je ona jedna od naših prvih pjesnika koji su se bavili granicama našega jezika (i svijeta) te pritom potraživali i osmišljavali vlastiti, specifičan jezični svijet. Na taj je način autorica kroz poeziju obnovila gramatičke, sintaktičke, semantičke i leksičke potencijale hrvatskoga jezika te nas uspjela začuditi neobičnim i neočekivanim stihovima poput: Kupa / podmetnut ću dlan / samo još jednom te spavati i teći. Također, Žagar je zanimljiva i kao osoba koja se na našoj suvremenoj sceni ističe izbjegavanjem medijske pozornosti, što je svojevrsna protuteža važnosti koju pridaje samom pjesničkom stvaranju, od kojega sve počinje i gdje sve završava. Naime, ono što učimo od Žagar jest da je utočište moguće pronaći u prirodi, kao i da uvijek postoji prostor za igru i osmišljavanje vlastitoga (umjetničkoga) svijeta.

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Neke rečenice ili stihove nikada ne zaboravljamo, i oni postaju dijelom našega identiteta. Prate nas kroz one važne i manje važne situacije, dodaju boju svijetu oko nas, našim odnosima i našim emocijama. Zbog toga je čitanje važno, ne samo zato što donosi utjehu, utočište ili inspiraciju, nego i zato što može promijeniti naš pogled na svijet te nam otkriti novu perspektivu. Tea Benčić Rimay tako je mnogima promijenila život i kao autorica i kao profesorica hrvatskog jezika, a njen tankoćutan pjesnički rukopis čitala sam kada sam u riječima tražila utjehu i snagu. Knjiga priča Kičma Dorte Jagić oblikovala je moje poimanje tijela i pisanja, dok me poezija Anke Žagar naučila da možemo stvoriti vlastiti mikrokozmos, kako u umjetnosti, tako i u stvarnome životu.

Kristina Špiranec

1. Could you introduce yourself? I can see your success and influence on many important issues, I would like to get to know you from your point of view.
IVANA: Čuvarice vremena su grupa zaljubljenica u povijest koja široj publici nastoji približiti manje poznate sudbine ljudi bez obzira na njihov društveni položaj ili “zloglasnost”. To činimo kroz niz rubrika u kojima prikazujemo teme vezane uz povijesnu svakodnevnicu, žensku povijest, umjetnost, književnost, sport, zabavu, znanost i politiku.
ANA: Za nas povijest nije samo niz godina, događaja, političkih odluka i osoba koje treba memorirati, onako kako se često prezentira u obrazovnom procesu, nego niz ljudskih sudbina, ljudskih života, nekih poznatih, a nekih manje poznatih, koji su utjecali na oblikovanje povijesti i svijeta koji danas znamo.
MARTINA H. V.: Naša ekipa sastoji se trenutno od 6 članica: Nede Novosel, Ivane Kuhar, Martine Piškor, Ane Zbiljski, Đurđice Vitković i Martine Hukavec Vlašić.

2. Can you tell us a bit about the history and mission of Čuvarice vremena, and how you came up with the idea to start this organization?
IVANA: Većinom smo se upoznale preko aktivnosti vezanih uz Memorijalni stan Marije Jurić Zagorke, a okupile smo se za vrijeme lockdowna. Čuvarice su postale naš odgovor na pandemijsku otuđenost te pokušaj okupljanja radi očuvanja zdravog razuma koji nas je do danas održao.
NEDA: Da, sve nas je zapravo okupila Zagorka, sve smo se njezinim životom, radom, romanima bavile više ili manje, a naše je ljepilo i Ana. Ona nam je isprva svima bila poveznica i potaknula nas da sve ono čime se inače volimo baviti ne ostane samo za nas, nego da u obliku kratkih objava dijelimo s drugima koje bi ovakvo što moglo zanimati. Tako je nastao facebook i instagram profil Čuvarica. Budući da nam je uskoro treći rođendan, kroz ovo smo vrijeme, putem (zbog privatnih obaveza) izgubile dvije Čuvarice, ali su nam se pridružile i dvije nove. I sve imamo osjećaj kao da se znamo već dugo.
ĐURĐICA: Volimo reći da je misija Čuvarica vremena otkrivanje nepoznate i manje poznate povijesti s naglaskom na žensku povijest te njezina prezentacija javnosti.
MARTINA P.: Povijest se često percipira kao dosadna, a mi smo htjele pokazati da to nije istina. Povijest je zanimljivija od bilo kojeg romana i ljudska mašta ne može izmisliti nešto tako ludo i nevjerojatno kao što su istinite povijesne priče. Kroz godine smo stekle zaista mnogo znanja, te smo našu percepciju povijesti i ono što znamo htjele podijeliti s drugima.

3. How does Čuvarice vremena go about researching historical oddities, and what are some of the most interesting discoveries you’ve made?
MARTINA H. V.: Istražujemo preko hrpetine knjiga kojima smo opremile svoje privatne knjižnice i za koje gotovo više nema mjesta, istražujemo kroz periodiku, preko internetskih izvora, članaka, radova stranih i domaćih i sl. Posjećujemo i događanja poput predavanja, izložbi i slično na kojima uvijek saznamo nešto novo.
MARTINA P.: Obično si prvo odredimo temu tjedna, pa kroz brainstorming dođemo do ideja za pojedine dane. Svaka od nas vrsna je u određenom području, te tako ideje pršte same od sebe, jer je neka nešto negdje pročitala, čula, gledala, ili se prisjetimo predavanja s fakulteta. Onda kreće daljnje istraživanje. Uvijek se iznova iznenadimo koliko su žene zapostavljene i zaboravljene. Iako pišemo i o poznatim ženama u svijetu, trudimo se što više osvijetliti živote žena u Hrvatskoj, o kojima se i dalje jako malo zna i piše. Pisale smo tako o prvoj ženi koja je kod nas položila vozački ispit, Almi pl. Balley, a za kojom su njezini suvremenici s omalovažavanjem vikali “bježite, ide vještica Alma!” kada god bi se vozila u svom autu. Tu su i hrvatske vladarice iz doba narodnih vladara, prije ulaska u uniju s Ugarskom, o kojima postoji jako malo zapisa, tu i tamo neki nadgrobni spomenik, kameni ulomak, upis njenog imena u knjizi hodočasnika. Zanimljiva nam je bila i jedna Dubrovkinja iz 16. stoljeća, Marija Gundulić Gučetić, koja je u knjizi svog supruga objavila tekst (pod svojim imenom) u kojem proziva svoje sugrađane za lažni moral i mizoginiju, te se zalaže za ravnopravnost. Nije to mala stvar, napisati takav tekst u vremenu kada žene nisu imale nikakvih prava.
ĐURĐICA: Budući da se za sve tematske cikluse i teme unutar njih dogovaramo zajedno, definitivno se međusobno inspiriramo i kroz zajednički rad otkrivamo nove povijesne poslastice. Svaka od nas ima svoje interese, ali kroz zajednički rad na temama uspijevamo izvući najbolje jedna od druge. Kako je već Martina spomenula, naši privatni i poslovni životi ispunjeni su s puno knjiga, periodika, članaka i sl., a svaka od nas ima svoj modus operandi kada se radi o istraživanju teme o kojoj piše. Ipak, čini mi se da nam je svima zajedničko da se previše uživimo u svoja istraživanja jer smo znatiželjne po prirodi i zbilja volimo ovo čime se bavimo, kao što i volimo dijeliti spoznaje naših istraživanja s drugima. Što se tiče do sad obrađenih tema, teško je izdvojiti najzanimljivije, ali ona koja mi je svakako ostala urezana u sjećanje je tekst o gospođi Krafni, odnosno o Cäciliji Krapf i legendi o tome kako je krafna nastala.
ANA: Osim navedenog, meni je ostao u sjećanju tjedan eponima, kada smo zapravo pisale o tome odakle neke riječi, koje danas svakodnevno koristimo potječu. Na primjer, Bluetooth je dobio ime po danskom kralju Haraldu Bluetoothu iz 10. stoljeća, a njegov logo je je nastao spajanjem dvije skandinavske rune, slova H i slova B. Iako se planiralo dati proizvodu neko cool tehnološko ime nakon faze testiranja, naziv Bluetooth zaživio je toliko brzo među korisnicima da više nije imalo smisla mijenjati ga.
NEDA: Luda je priča i o nastanku riječi panika, koja svoje podrijetlo vuče od grčkog boga Pana, koji je izazivao paniku zbog svog izgleda (kozje noge, uši i rogovi, dlakavo čovjekoliko tijelo). Pa je prema mitovima preplašio i svoju majku kada ga je rodila, a priče su išle i do toga da bi plašio usamljene putnike, te bi znao biti prilično opasan ako bi ga se probudilo.
IVANA: Bilo je tu i različitih ludih izuma tijekom 20. stoljeća poput sprave koja je oblikovala nos (zvala se nose sharper) za “brzu, trajnu i bezbolnu korekciju nosa”. Našlo se tu i pomagalo koje je trebalo svojim korisnicima stvoriti rupice na obrazima (kad se nasmiju), ali i kavez za zračenje djeteta, koji bi se stavio na prozor i omogućavao da djeca koja su živjela u zgradama bez dvorišta, mogu provesti vrijeme na suncu i zraku.

4. Marija Jurić Zagorka was a prominent Croatian author and feminist who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. How has her work influenced Čuvarice vremena, and what do you think her legacy is for women’s rights in Croatia and beyond?
MARTINA H.: Kao što smo već spomenule, Zagorka nas je spojila, bez nje se ne bismo upoznale i danas Čuvarice vremena ne bi postojale. Gotovo sve smo Zagorku čitale, a dosta nas se i bavilo njezinim životom i radom.
NEDA: Smatramo Zagorku fenomenom, ne samo zbog njezina doprinosa književnosti (koji je često devaloriziran od kritičara, ali nažalost i nje osobno) koji je nesumnjivo velik i važan za daljnje proučavanje i interpretacije, nego upravo zbog njezina aktivizma, feminizma, društvenog i političkog angažmana. Treba ponavljati više puta da se Zagorka bavila ženskim radničkim pravima u vrijeme kada se rijetko tko bavio ženskim ljudskim pravima uopće, tako da ona organizira prvu žensku sindikalnu organizaciju na ovim prostorima, nazvanu “Kolo radnih žena” u kojoj okuplja četrdestak radnica, kako sama kaže, iz tiskare, tvornice duhana i kože, učiteljice i dr. Naravno da je protuzakonito bilo osnivati takvo društvo, ali su se one i po zabrani nastavile nalaziti po njihovim kućama, stanovima i raspravljati, ali i aktivistički djelovati.

ĐURĐICA: Zagorka je i prva hrvatska profesionalna novinarka, politička novinarka, parlamentarna izvjestiteljica i zapravo žena s terena. Da bi mogla prisustvovati demonstracija protiv bana Khuen-Hedervaryja u vrijeme Austro-Ugarske i nametane mađarizacije i germanizacije, Zagorka se preoblačila i maksirala u muškarca, jer se tako mogla sigurnije kretati. Bio je to jedini način da žena djeluje u muškom javnom prostoru. Naime, sloboda kretanja žena bila ograničena, uglavnom promenadno i u pratnji muškarca s kojim je u užem srodstvu ili guvernante, dadilje ili udane žene, a izlazak iz okvira ili bilo kakvo “neženstveno” djelovanje kažnjavano je marginalizacijom i isključenjem iz “uglednog društva”. U svojim novinskim tekstovima, a posebno u romanima, Zagorka često progovara o ovim pitanjima. Njezine junakinje služe kao uzor ženama, kao poziv na buđenje, poziv na borbu za ravnopravnost, za pravednije društvo. Ona osnažuje i žene i muškarce da odbace društveno nametnute uloge i ravnopravno nastupaju na privatnoj i javnoj pozornici života slijedeći ideale za koje vrijedi živjeti i boriti se.
ANA: S obzirom da se mi bavimo povijesnim istraživanjima, moram definitivno spomenuti i Zagorkin rad na povijesnim dokumentima, u arhivima za svaki svoj roman. Ona je također željela obrazovati hrvatsko stanovništvo o vlastitoj povijesti, o vlastitoj kulturi, a pritom uvijek naglašavajući i važnost žena u toj istoj povijesti, koja ih često zaobilazi i zaboravlja. Koliko je Zagorka bitna, ne samo nama nego i mnogim svojim čitateljima i obožavateljima, svjedoči i činjenica da kada govorimo o njoj često je nazivamo “našom Zagorkom”. Rijetko se događa da neka osoba, kako za svog života, tako i nakon smrti ima toliko bitno mjesto u životu toliko ljudi da uz nju vežu tolike emocije, da je smatraju svojom.
MARTINA P.: Zagorka, osim što je bila apsolutno genijalna novinarka, najčitanija hrvatska književnica i aktivistkinja, jednostavno je bila ispred svog vremena. Na “svoje” bi došla tek danas. Njezin život i borba bili su inspiracija za generacije žena, a inspiracija su i za nas danas.
IVANA: Marija Jurić Zagorka predstavlja naš kamen temeljac. Osobno sam svoja prva povijesna istraživanja temeljila na njezinim djelima i otuda nastavila dalje. Za mene sve počinje i završava s Marijom Jurić Zagorkom.

5. In what ways do you think that Čuvarice vremena can help to preserve and promote cultural heritage, both in Croatia and internationally?
ĐURĐICA: Ponekad nam se čini da se povijest svodi na učenje godina, imena i ratova što nerijetko utječe na motivaciju ljudi da se dodatno informiraju i razvijaju svoje interese tom pogledu. Čuvarice vremena svojim radom nastoje približiti povijest i kulturnu baštinu široj publici te pokazati kako u našoj prošlosti postoji nešto interesantno za svakoga. Trudimo se prezentirati manje poznate teme i to na način na koji će ljude navesti da požele saznati više. Društvene mreže su se po ovom pitanju pokazale kao vrlo koristan alat koji nam omogućuje da atraktivno prezentiramo povijesne zanimljivosti i to na način koji omogućava njihovu dostupnost široj i diverzificiranoj publici. Navedeno nam omogućuje podizanje svijesti o važnosti očuvanja kulturne baštine, ali i spoznaje odakle dolazimo. Poseban nam je gušt kada nam se jave ljudi koji kažu da inače ne vole povijest, ali da rado prate Čuvarice jer su im objave vrlo zanimljive.
MARTINA H. V: Nacionalna povijest često je jednostrana i postoje neki mitovi i diskursi u koje se ne dira. Mi pokušavamo sve sagledati objektivno, pa često donosimo i neka u javnom diskursu neuobičajena promišljanja o događajima i osobama važnim za nacionalnu povijest. Također, slavenska mitologija kojoj Hrvatska “pripada” zaista je neistražena i nije toliko poznata domaćoj javnosti. Ovdje nastupamo mi, da ljudima približimo jednu nevjerojatnu kulturu kojoj su naši preci pripadali.

6. How do you see the role of women in organizations like Čuvarice vremena, and what do you think can be done to encourage more women to get involved in historical research and activism? How do you see the intersection between historical research and women’s rights activism, and how does Čuvarice Vremena strive to incorporate both into its work?

MARTINA P.: Čuvarice vremena čine isključivo žene, i ta platforma je naše sigurno mjesto putem kojeg živimo dio svojih profesionalnih snova. Ženska ekipa koja najčešće piše o ženskoj povijesti, povijesti svakodnevice i kulturnoj povijesti, odnosno “neozbiljnoj” povijesti. Povijest žena je povijest nevidljivih i potlačenih, a mi smo ovdje da je konačno predstavimo široj publici. Kroz istraživanja smo otkrile nevjerojatne žene koje su na razne načine mijenjale povijest, te njihova borba protiv tadašnjeg društva (a žene koje imamo zabilježene u povijesti najčešće su zabilježene jer su buntovnice i radile su nešto za to doba neuobičajeno) inspirira i nas danas da se borimo za bolje društvo.
ĐURĐICA: Od samih svojih početaka Čuvarice skrbe i s posebnom ljubavlju obrađuju teme iz ženske povijesti kako unutar rubrike Vještice i svetice tako i kroz sve ostale rubrike. Želimo prikazati povijest koja je puno više od one koju su ispisali muškarci, a na koju se i dalje ne obraća dovoljno pozornosti. Štoviše, ni na fakultetima nema puno kolegija koji se bave isključivo poviješću žena. Primjerice, dok postoje mnogi predmeti koji se fokusiraju na rad i djelo književnika, kolegiji koji bi se fokusirali na književnice vrlo će rijetko biti odobreni, posebice ako kolegij nosi njezino ime. Kroz naš rad nastojimo informirati ljude o načinima na koje su žene živjele, preživljavale i oponirale društvu i sustavima u kojem su se nalazile. Još važnije, nastojimo probuditi trajni interes za beskrajno fascinantnu temu ženske povijesti. Razumijevanje ženske povijesti je neodvojivo povezano s borbom za ženska prava iz više razloga. Poznavanje naše povijesti ukazuje nam na korijene i dugotrajnost štetnih društvenih obrazaca koji se ponavljaju sve do našeg vremena, ukazuje nam na načine otpora i borbe naših prethodnica, ali i inspirira nas da nastavimo s radom koji su one započele kako bismo onima koje dolaze ostavile pravednije i ravnopravnije društvo.
ANA: Još jedna bitna stvar nam je da humaniziramo povijest i po. Kao što smo već spomenule, povijest su pisali i stvarali ljudi, osobe od krvi i mesa. Nekima znamo ime, nekima ne znamo, ali svatko od njih imao je svoj život, svoje probleme, svoju sreću, tugu, bol. Svatko od njih bio je osoba, kao i mi, a ne samo ime i prezime, ili još češće, samo broj (kada govorimo o žrtvama ratova, bolesti, progona, poreznih obveznika i sl.). Kada pak govorimo o poznatim osobama, često prevladava crno-bijeli način prikazivanja i pogled na povijest iz današnje perspektive, što može potaknuti, ali i, nažalost, potiče netoleranciju i nerazumijevanje.

7. What has been the biggest challenge that Čuvarice vremena has faced since its founding, and how did you overcome it?
IVANA: Iz moje perspektive, najveći izazov za našu grupicu je logističke prirode. Teško je uskladiti poslovne i obiteljske obveze s malo preostalog slobodnog vremena.
MARTINA P.: Mi smo prije svega žene koje vole povijest i ovo sve radimo volonterski. Ljubav i reakcije naših čitatelja/pratitelja jedina su nam plaća, ali to je zaista velika plaća. Sve vodimo svoje užurbane i zaposlene živote, tu su i obiteljske obaveze tako da često nemamo vremena za sve što bismo htjele. Nema smisla lagati, i u ovom kolektivu ima nervoze i ponekog neslaganja (iako vrlo, vrlo rijetko), često nam je ovo i stres. Ali taj gušt kada smo prešle na dvoznamenkasti broj lajkova, kada nas poprati nama neka važna institucija ili osoba, kada dobijemo pohvale za svoj rad (nedavno mi je jedan momak rekao kako su Čuvarice jedna od dvije stvari koje redovito prati na društvenim mrežama, a za sve ostalo je ugasio obavijesti), i sada kada smo na Facebooku stigle do 1000 pratitelja, sva muka, žrtva privatnog života i poneka frustracija se isplate.

8. Finally, what are your hopes for the future of Čuvarice Vremena, and what do you think the organization’s legacy will be? What are some of the upcoming projects or events that Čuvarice Vremena is working on, and how can people get involved or support your work?
MARTINA H. V.: Nadam se da ćemo uskoro postati udruga jer na tome i radimo te da ćemo kao udruga proširiti svoje članstvo u smislu okupljanja žena s istim ili barem sličnim interesima, organizirati skupove, tribine, izložbe, predavanja, tematske večeri i sl., imati svoj stalan prostor i od svega toga nekako zarađivati. Osobno, da se to dogodi, odmah bi dala otkaz na poslu.
NEDA: Reklo nam je više ljudi koji nas prate da bi bilo dobro da napravimo neku publikaciju jer imamo puno odličnoga sadržaja za kojega je šteta do ostane samo na društvenim mrežama. Tako da bismo voljele i to u budućnosti, a nedavno smo krenule s našom prvom turom vezanom, naravno, za Zagorku, ali prvenstveno za lokacije na kojima ljudima prenosimo segmente njezina života i rada u Donjem gradu baš zato što ju svi više smještamo u Gornji. Za termine ture popratite nas na društvenim mrežama.
ANA: U međuvremenu smo, kao što je Martina i spomenula, u procesu osnivanja udruge, kreiranja web stranice, smišljanja i planiranja potencijalne izložbe, a vidjet ćemo kuda nas trud i rad oko Čuvarica i život još odnese. Ovom prilikom pozivamo sve koji bi htjeli s nama podijeliti neku zanimljivost iz svoje lokalne zajednice, nešto što nije općepoznato, da nam se jave u inbox (ili mailom) ili pak ako bi htjeli da se pozabavimo određenom temom u našem rasporedu kroz godinu, slobodno se javite.
IVANA: Nade za budućnost… da ostanemo na okupu i korak po korak ostvarimo zacrtane ciljeve vezane uz podizanje mrežne stranice, pronalaženja prostora za okupljanje i daljnje djelovanje.
ĐURĐICA: Osim svega što su cure već navele, nadam se da će nas razvoj Čuvarica odvesti i na put koji će nam omogućiti provođenje aktivnosti s raznim dobnim skupinama, od onih najmlađih do najstarijih kako bismo mogle poticati interes za cjeloživotno učenje o povijesti i kulturi te pokazati da povijest može biti itekako zanimljiva.
MARTINA P.: Da se nadovežem na cure, imamo zaista puno planova. Ova uskoro treća godina nam je ključna i kritična, jer iz nekih svojih uhodanih staza, odnosno društvenih mreža proširujemo svoju “djelatnost”. Svjesne smo da smo si zadale puno posla, ali ovo je doslovce sad ili nikad moment. Imamo pregršt ideja, imamo elana, vremena nešto manje, a ljubavi prema ovome što radimo najviše. I ljudi su to konačno osjetili. Pratite nas na društvenim mrežama, spremamo puno toga novog i jedva čekamo vidjeti gdje će nas ovaj put odvesti!

Neda Novosel, Ivana Kuhar, Martina Piškor, Ana Zbiljki, Đurđica, Martina Hukavec Vlašic.

Vintage Photo Souvenir