Beyond East and West Auto (Art) Ethnography: Challenges and Reflections.

This article explores the challenges of representing individual and collective memories in art, drawing from the experiences of Eastern European artists and researchers: Dragana Radanović, a comics artist from Serbia, and Olga Lucovnicova, a documentary filmmaker from Moldova. The article integrates key theories and scholarly insights on collective memory and art. The study addressed the lack of artistic practice research on the representation of collective memory using a qualitative approach that includes semistructured interviews and analysis of the researchers' experiences and the artistic creation process. It examines the nuances of bridging cultural disparities, contextualizing personal experiences within collective memory, and navigating the complexities of representing sensitive historical contexts. Additionally, it uncovers how the geopolitical landscape and historical events in Moldova and Serbia have influenced the formation of collective memories, revealing the challenges and conflicts within these societies' historical narratives. By exploring these intricacies, the article enhances our understanding of artistic creation processes and contributes to the broader discussion on portraying collective memory in artistic mediums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]