Jana Islinger – DROA – It‘s time – Georgia on the move

Photographs by Jana Islinger

Georgia, located at the easternmost end of Europe, is caught in the tension of a conflict between pro-Western reorientation and historically Russian sphere of influence, which is reflected in the entire society.

Droa [“It’s Time”] is a photographic search for a country’s identity between the dream of Europe, the fear of Russia and the consequences of years of oppression.

Photographer Jana Islinger spent two months in Georgia for her reportage in spring 2022. A central role in her work is played by the Soviet Russian legacy and the transition from it to a – supposedly – independent system. She accompanied people who are struggling under capitalism, lagging behind in the transition and finding comfort in their faith. But also those who were already born in an independent Georgia. They fight for a self-determined life, far away from the conservative views of the older generation and demand a rapprochement with the EU.

The secessionist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which fell into a war of secession due to Russia’s influence, are also the subject of the film. Jana Islinger portrayed people who have lost their homeland, but not the hope of returning there one day. Another component of her work is various parties and organisations that are trying to liberalise the country and take action against domestic events and powerful elites infiltrated by Russia.

A satellite exhibition of the PORTRAITS – Hellerau Photography Awards 2023 at Galerie nEUROPA.