Visual Narratives: Darija Jelinčić’s Fusion of Art, Travel and Social Science

Meet Darija Jelinčić, a sociologist turned photographer whose artistic work explores the nuanced interplay between society, technology, and human emotion. Having lived and exhibited her work across diverse cultural landscapes including Prague, Paris, San Francisco, Darija brings a unique global perspective to her photography. This interview explores her transition from studying sociology to fully embracing photography as a medium for creative expression. We delve into her thematic exploration of human psychology, technology, and folklore, and how these elements are reflected in her innovative projects that document and interpret the world around us in profound and visually compelling ways. Join us as we uncover the inspirations and insights behind Darija Jelinčić's journey, highlighting how her extensive travels have not only enriched her digital artistry but also provided a deeper understanding of the influence of global cultural experiences on artistic expression.

Darija Jelinčić Fusion of Art

What initially drew you to photography as a medium for your creative expression?

At the age of 12, when I was looking at my hands and realized they will change in time, I tried to keep a picture in my mind of my palm for some time. Around this time, I realized that I would like to create art or express myself through some form of art. If I had a camera at that time, it would be compelling to photograph it, to document change. With a camera I think I am a better observer, I take more time to see, and I’m completely dedicated to the moment of making a picture. Maybe that's why I choose photography, to experience the moment more deeply and to remember it.

What initially sparked your interest in delving into such a wide array of themes—ranging from human psychology, technology, and medicine to nature, culture, folklore, and superstition—in your artistic endeavors? Furthermore, considering your academic background in sociology and your keen interest in weaving different influences into your artwork, could you elucidate on your conceptual journey in selecting these diverse and impactful subjects? How do you seamlessly navigate and amalgamate these varied disciplines within your creative process to bring your unique visions to life?

I could say it's almost certainly my background that took me to these various colors of interest. My parents couldn't see a future in art for me when I was a young girl. Considering we were living in the postwar era, I can understand them, so I pursued some other interests, like economics and sociology. Regardless, this burning desire to manifest my thoughts and ideas in a visual form made me decide to pursue photography and dive into it. Many years after, when I moved to Prague, everything came together, and it was the right time and place for that adventure. In that long process, I have learned everything has its place and time, purpose too, and that I should experience things as they are coming. Economics helped with realize what is not my direction, but what I can use as a tool in certain situations. Sociology helped with the way of thinking and conceptual process a lot. I am observing my life, myself in this society, and the theme or subject which comes across my life. As I find an interest in some of them, and if I consciously feel that it's for me, I start exploring. I read about the subject or contact people from that field of interest to learn more about it, and to understand. In all that research process, a creative project is developing. It almost literally goes through me and I do what I can to deliver it, taking into consideration all the circumstances I am in at that specific time. And the project is born.

Throughout your career, you've not only lived in but also showcased your art in a myriad of cities around the globe, each boasting its distinct culture, historical depth, and artistic vibrancy. These diverse environments undeniably offer a wealth of inspiration and perspective. Could you delve into how these varied travel experiences have directly influenced or transformed your artistic approach? Moreover, are there specific locales or moments during your travels from Prague to Paris, and Barcelona to San Francisco? What has profoundly impacted your body of work? If so, how do these influences surface in your creations?"

The world is magical. Visiting different places and different cultures is widening our horizons. My mind, soul, and my body are very sensitive to new places and of course, with those new inputs, I get inspired. It is just when you are not in your everyday habitat, your senses are more receptive and vivid. In Paris, San Francisco, or Prague I could experience excellent quality big exhibitions and amazing artists. Just to see the diversities of people living in one city is inspirational as well. For example, in San Francisco, I have witnessed moments I will never forget, or Paris, to me was like opening a candy. When visiting smaller towns, the nature they have, which is not my everyday environment, is breathtaking, not just for art but also for my whole self. I especially loved the ocean.

Most of my projects are made in different countries and within different cultures. This is so because when I put myself in the landscape with a concept, I reflect on what it gives to me as well as what it gives to people who coexist with that specific environment. 

In your work, you often touch upon cultural and social practices, such as the use of salt in Slavic traditions for protection and luck. How important is it for you to document or reinterpret these traditions in the modern context?

I like to use the knowledge of our ancestors to improve my life. Also, I like to connect the past with the present or future. When working on the Salt project, I wasn't at the best moment in my life, so I decided that I needed cleansing. Cleansing of my mind, body, and soul. It was natural for me to reach into the past and find what I inherited from women and nature. It was like grandmas' or Mother Nature's advice, studious and serious, but still somehow very light and airy, and it worked. Not only that, but it has brought me protection and luck.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face when translating complex themes of folklore, superstition, or technological impact into visual art?

Each project has different challenges. This is so, because with each I am learning something new and pushing myself to do better, to translate the complex into simple and clean. It comes with age, I think. Now I am more relaxed because I can recognize the process and calmly walk with it.

How did your collaboration with the Institute for Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISIR) at Sorbonne University influence your perspective on the relationship between humans and technology? Were there any specific insights or experiences from this collaboration that significantly impacted your work?

My collaboration with the Institute for Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISIR) in Paris was fantastic. People with whom I had the privilege to collaborate and work, were nothing less than kind, helpful, and very understanding. They have recognized my project as part of their project and did everything they could to help, advise, and support my vision and artistic expression. The privilege of accessing laboratories and research facilities provided me with an exclusive opportunity to observe and encounter novel technologies on a personal level. This has opened new understandings of the relationship we as humans have with robotics, technologies, and the future for that matter. 

Are there any themes or subjects you haven't explored yet but are planning to in your future projects? Can you share some insights into what we might expect from your upcoming work?

We will see what the future brings, but I am always interested in introspection through landscape and portrait. At the moment, I am working on a project about space between mother and daughter.

What advice would you give to young artists who are interested in exploring interdisciplinary fields, combining art with science, technology, or sociology, based on your experiences?

I think it's great to have an interest in different fields and combine them in creating art and expressing ideas. Everything is connected, and it is important to feed our minds with diverse knowledge because in that way we are making a better opportunity to recognize the inspiration and the idea.