Language/Croatian/Culture/Contemporary-Croatian-Culture-Scene

Croatian → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Contemporary Croatian Culture Scene

Introduction: In this lesson, we will explore the vibrant and diverse contemporary Croatian culture scene. From music and film to literature and art, we will delve into the artistic expressions that have emerged in Croatia in the 21st century. This topic is important in the context of learning Croatian as it allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the country's cultural identity and provides them with valuable insights into modern Croatian society. By the end of this lesson, students will have a broader cultural knowledge and be able to engage with Croatian arts and culture.

Music

Croatian music has seen a tremendous evolution in the 21st century, with artists exploring various genres and experimenting with new sounds. One notable genre that has gained popularity is "novi val" or the New Wave, which emerged in the late 1970s and continues to influence contemporary Croatian music. This genre combines elements of punk, new wave, and rock, and is characterized by its rebellious and innovative spirit.

A prominent figure in the contemporary Croatian music scene is Gibonni, whose unique blend of rock, pop, and traditional Dalmatian music has captivated audiences both in Croatia and abroad. His heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies have made him one of the most successful Croatian musicians of the 21st century.

Another popular artist is Severina, known for her powerful vocals and energetic performances. She has achieved international recognition and has collaborated with artists from around the world. Her music spans various genres, including pop, rock, and folk, and she often incorporates elements of traditional Croatian music into her songs.

Croatia is also home to a thriving electronic music scene. Artists such as Petar Dundov and Insolate have gained international acclaim for their innovative approach to techno and electronic music. Their music combines atmospheric soundscapes with hypnotic beats, creating a unique and immersive listening experience.

In addition to these contemporary artists, Croatia also has a rich tradition of folk music. Klapa music, a form of a cappella singing, is particularly popular in the coastal regions of Croatia. Klapa Intrade is a well-known group that has brought this traditional music to a wider audience, blending it with modern influences to create a fresh and dynamic sound.

Exercise 1: Croatian Music Trivia

1. Which genre emerged in the late 1970s and continues to influence contemporary Croatian music? a) Pop b) New Wave c) Folk d) Classical

2. What is the name of the artist known for his unique blend of rock, pop, and traditional Dalmatian music? a) Gibonni b) Severina c) Petar Dundov d) Insolate

3. Which genre of music is particularly popular in the coastal regions of Croatia? a) Techno b) Klapa c) Hip-hop d) Jazz

Answers: 1. b) New Wave 2. a) Gibonni 3. b) Klapa

Film

The Croatian film industry has experienced a resurgence in the 21st century, with a new generation of filmmakers making their mark on the international stage. One of the most notable films to come out of Croatia in recent years is "Goran" directed by Nevio Marasović. This dark comedy explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships. It has garnered critical acclaim and won numerous awards at international film festivals.

Another film that has gained international recognition is "The High Sun" directed by Dalibor Matanić. This powerful drama tells the story of three different love stories set against the backdrop of the war in the Balkans. It received the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, bringing Croatian cinema to a wider audience.

Croatia also has a rich history of animation, with several talented animators making their mark in the industry. Films such as "Hedgehog's Home" directed by Eva Cvijanović and "The Brave Adventures of a Little Shoemaker" directed by Silvije Petranović have received international acclaim and won awards at prestigious animation festivals.

Exercise 2: Croatian Film Quiz

1. Which film explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships? a) Goran b) The High Sun c) Hedgehog's Home d) The Brave Adventures of a Little Shoemaker

2. Which film received the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival? a) Goran b) The High Sun c) Hedgehog's Home d) The Brave Adventures of a Little Shoemaker

3. Which genre of film has a rich history in Croatia? a) Drama b) Animation c) Comedy d) Horror

Answers: 1. a) Goran 2. b) The High Sun 3. b) Animation

Literature

Croatian literature has a long and rich tradition, and the 21st century has seen the emergence of many talented writers pushing boundaries and exploring new literary forms. One of the most celebrated contemporary Croatian writers is Dubravka Ugrešić. Her works, such as "The Museum of Unconditional Surrender" and "Baba Yaga Laid an Egg," have been translated into numerous languages and have received international acclaim for their experimental and thought-provoking nature.

Another noteworthy author is Daša Drndić, whose novel "Sonnenschein" won the European Book Prize in 2013. Drndić's writing is known for its raw and uncompromising exploration of history and memory, often tackling difficult subjects with great sensitivity and depth.

Croatian poetry has also seen a resurgence in the 21st century, with poets such as Ana Brnardić and Maša Kolanović gaining recognition for their powerful and evocative verses. These poets explore themes of identity, love, and social justice, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary Croatian society.

Exercise 3: Croatian Literature Quiz

1. Which author is known for her experimental and thought-provoking works? a) Dubravka Ugrešić b) Daša Drndić c) Ana Brnardić d) Maša Kolanović

2. Whose novel "Sonnenschein" won the European Book Prize in 2013? a) Dubravka Ugrešić b) Daša Drndić c) Ana Brnardić d) Maša Kolanović

3. Which genre of literature has seen a resurgence in the 21st century? a) Poetry b) Prose c) Drama d) Non-fiction

Answers: 1. a) Dubravka Ugrešić 2. b) Daša Drndić 3. a) Poetry

Art

Contemporary Croatian art is characterized by its diversity and exploration of various mediums and techniques. Many artists draw inspiration from Croatia's rich cultural heritage while incorporating modern influences and global perspectives into their work.

One prominent artist is Ivan Kožarić, known for his sculptures that challenge traditional notions of art and explore the relationship between space and form. His works can be found in public spaces throughout Croatia, and his innovative approach has made him one of the most respected contemporary artists in the country.

Another renowned artist is Sanja Iveković, whose multimedia installations and performances tackle issues of gender, identity, and consumer culture. Her work often incorporates found objects and archival material, creating powerful visual narratives that invite viewers to question societal norms and conventions.

Croatia is also home to a vibrant street art scene, with artists such as Lonac and Lunar creating large-scale murals that beautify public spaces and engage with the local community. Their work often combines elements of traditional Croatian art with contemporary styles, creating a unique visual language that reflects the country's cultural heritage.

Exercise 4: Croatian Art Quiz

1. Which artist is known for his sculptures that challenge traditional notions of art? a) Ivan Kožarić b) Sanja Iveković c) Lonac d) Lunar

2. Whose work tackles issues of gender, identity, and consumer culture? a) Ivan Kožarić b) Sanja Iveković c) Lonac d) Lunar

3. Which genre of art has a vibrant scene in Croatia? a) Sculpture b) Performance art c) Street art d) Painting

Answers: 1. a) Ivan Kožarić 2. b) Sanja Iveković 3. c) Street art

Conclusion: In this lesson, we have explored the contemporary Croatian culture scene, focusing on music, film, literature, and art. From the diverse genres of music to the thought-provoking works of Croatian authors, and the innovative art forms that challenge traditional notions, Croatia's cultural scene is vibrant and dynamic. By engaging with contemporary Croatian culture, students can gain a deeper understanding of the country's cultural identity and society. This knowledge will not only enhance their language skills but also allow them to appreciate and connect with Croatian arts and culture on a deeper level.

Table of Contents - Croatian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns: Gender and Number
• Personal Pronouns

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense of Regular Verbs
• Present Tense of Irregular Verbs

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Daily Activities

• Common Activities
• Hobbies and Interests

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives: Gender and Number
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

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Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

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Croatian Culture and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance

Other Lessons

• Daily Life and Customs
• Croatia Timeline
• Croatian Folklore and Mythology
• Traditions and Festivals
• Religion and Spirituality in Croatia
• Arts and Entertainment
• Travel and Tourism
• Sports and Recreation in Croatia
• Croatian Society and Politics
• History and Geography