Photographs in search of stories

In April and May 1996, Canadian photographer Denis McCready documented Sarajevo’s first spring of peace after four years of siege. These photographs had never been presented in Sarajevo. 

During the month of October 2024, the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina invited residents of the city to participate in the creation of collective memory by sharing their stories inspired by these images. 

People were invited to choose an image displayed in the entrance hall and record an audio testimonial in the studio. McCready then chose with them a place in Sarajevo to make their photographic portrait, asking a simple question:

Where would you like to be remembered? 

This project was part of McCready’s artistic residency for a master’s degree in Visual and Media Arts from Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM). It was produced in collaboration with the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and supported financially by UQÀM’s Mobility Grant.

The final master’s exhibition was held in Montreal at CDEx Gallery in June 2025. An expanded version of this project is in preparation for exhibit in Sarajevo in 2026.