Selfie Dalmatian Wall​

Selfie Dalmatian wall is anything but an ordinary exhibition. It combines local artistic heritage, tourism, and digital photography, which most often finds its place on social networks. The recognizable black and white dotted motif of the Dalmatian dog was used to encourage visitors to create their own souvenirs from Zaostrog. It is in the local Franciscan monastery that one of the oldest paintings of a Dalmatian dog is preserved. An unknown author from the 18th century placed this distinctive breed among Christ and the apostles in the painting “The Last Supper.” Moreover, the local chapel of St. Roka from the 19th century shows another “Dalmatian.” The exhibition is set up in a space that has been waiting for renovation for years. Numerous recycled materials and objects were used during the decoration, from paper to discarded items to pieces of old furniture. A significant contribution was made by local artists: Tonći Alač painted the space, Adna Bakija designed dog sculptures, and Ivana Žanetić and Doris Kelvišer made paper clothes.

The concept itself is explained by the author of the exhibition, Božena Delaš: “I was guided by this to use my theater experience and the concept of an open theater and combine it with the modern man’s need to take selfies while traveling. This project was created as a fusion of previous activities on the subject of the Dalmatian dog, my theater experience and the importance of scenography and costuming, the design of a tourist product, my contribution to creative family gatherings, and the intention to apostrophize the significant role of animals/dogs in our lives, in education, books, performances, and constant search for the possibility of recycling.”

The showroom is divided into Dalmatian-themed photo booths, and everything is black and white. In the first cabin, there is a beach motif, the second is dedicated to Zaostrogo, and in it are painted the most important motifs of the place, from Dalmatians, the monastery library to ancient reliefs, and a Dalmatian tavern. The third cabin is dedicated to the old Dalmatian room and “fjaka”. While exploring the space, visitors can use numerous props and thus create their own scenes. In a way, they become actors in this black-and-white world. The guest can arrange his own scene, wear various combinations, take photos, and tell his story.

The guests were also involved in the realization of the exhibition. “As the bus stops painted with the same motif two years ago attracted a lot of attention, we talked about it with the guests from Poland, who became friends. Looking for expert advice for some solutions, guest Greg got very actively involved in the implementation of the project and did something surprising – he brought a black and white substrate for the floor from Lodz, and donated a few days of his vacation to decorate the exhibition space. He also came up with a name for his relationship with Zaostrogo: “Zaostrogoholik”! This is what we often hear – the concept of experience tourism, participation in activities,” says Bozena.

The very opening of the exhibition attracted a lot of curious visitors, and it was especially nice to see many children. Let us remind you that in Zaostrog there is neither a primary school nor a kindergarten for a simple reason – there are almost no local children of that age. Martina Gašpar, art historian and doctoral student at the University of Dubrovnik, and Mayor of Gradac Municipality Matko Burić said a few words. “Selfie Dalmatian Wall is not only a base for an original souvenir from Zaostrog, but also an example of creativity that can grow into a recognizable story. Although we are best known for the sun and the sea, we need to look for ways to enrich the tourist offer and show our heritage, which can be a lot of fun,” said Martina. Burić emphasized that the idea was realized despite the fact that the space is awaiting renovation soon. “I asked Božena if it could wait a bit until we secure a bigger and better space, and she said that the exhibition should go now. It shows how much can be achieved thanks to the enthusiasm of one person. The exhibition is an indicator of how this story could look in its full light,” emphasizes Burić. Who knows, maybe in the future, more and more visitors will recognize Zaostrog by its connection with the Dalmatian, just like the official in the field who the other day, when asked where he was, answered: “In the most spotty place – the Adriatic!”

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The Dalmatian

Did you know?

One of the most famous breeds in the world, it was made famous by the Disney movie about 101 Dalmatians. The dog was named after the province of Dalmatia, which is believed to be the original place of origin of the Dalmatian dog. Throughout history, it has been known under the names “Dubrovan hound” and “Dalmatian birder”.

Descriptions of the Dalmatian dog were found in Đakovo in the record of Bishop Petr Bakić from the 17th century, where the dog was called Canis Dalmaticus.
One of the oldest depictions of the whole Dalmatian dog can be found in the Franciscan monastery in Zaostrog, in the painting The Last Supper by an unknown author from 1710-1750. We don’t know what the painter was thinking about, but the little dog jumped out of the frame of the painting and went out into the world.

Puppies are born white and in a period of 2 to 3 weeks, they get black spots. That a dog’s muzzle print is unique, like a fingerprint?
Between the 13th and 19th centuries, the Dalmatian dog was the object of trade, exchange, and gift of the Dubrovnik sailors, due to its specificity, so they spread it around the world.