Dubrovnik, Croatia: Ivo Grbić Gallery

There's one interesting fact about Dubrovnik that doesn't pop up in many discussions about the city. It's been around (relatively) forever, but it had virtually no military importance as a location. Therefore, it never had been touched by the frequent military actions that had gone on around it. 

That is, until the 1990s.

The Homelands War saw Serbia shell the city, causing a good-sized amount of damage. Much of Dubrovnik has been repaired, but work continues on some of the homes and the city has some reminders in terms of "nicks and scratches" of what happened. No doubt that must have been a shock to the residents, who had been living peaceful lives for centuries.  

Ivo Grbic's place suffered some damage in that era. His studio was hit on December 9, 1991, destroying much of his previous work. He did something about it. Grbic simply started over. He set up a gallery in the Old Town that responds to the difficult era with defiance and humor. 

There is a full-fledged museum designed to note the siege, but this one is more personal and might deserve a little boost of publicity. Glad to help.