DARK BOSNIA

A virtual Commemorative Exhibition

of new paintings by Robert McNeil, M.B.E.

Ambassador, Remembering Srebrenica UK. UNESCO RILA Affiliate Artist.

INTRODUCTION

This exhibition is one of a number of events planned to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the genocide that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 11th July 1995 and subsequent days, when over eight thousand Muslim men and boys were executed by Bosnian Serb soldiers, because of their religion.

The physical exhibition of this powerful new work by robert McNeil was due to open at iota in July 2020, but, due to circumstances beyond all of our control, we present it to you here and now.

Once you have seen the paintings in full screen, DARK BOSNIA (YouTube link) ONLINE FROM MIDDAY, THURSDAY 2 JUNE 2020, please be sure to read the Guide to DARK BOSNIA, which was also written by Robert McNeil.

The lesson from Srebrenica, depicted in this work, is that no society is invulnerable to prejudice and intolerance. We must all remain vigilant against these forces, and take positive action to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Please note: the subject of sexual violence against women as a weapon of war is tackled in this work. Parental guidance should be considered.

The physical DARK BOSNIA exhibition will be rescheduled, and proceeds will be donated to the proposed International Learning Centre in Birmingham and Remembering Srebrenica UK.

The Artist

Robert McNeil worked in NHS Greater Glasgow as their mortuary operations manager. In 1995 he volunteered to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina to gather evidence of genocide on behalf of the UN. This led to numerous other deployments to war zones around the world. He retired in 2009 and took up painting as a hobby.

The WITNESS exhibition, his first series of twelve war-related paintings, was curated by iota and launched in The Mitchell Library, Glasgow, in January 2014. WITNESS was subsequently displayed in the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly Gallery, Worcester University, The London Synagogue, and numerous other venues around the UK. This work has formed the basis of numerous educational talks by the artist to groups across the U.K.

Robert works tirelessly as an Ambassador for Remembering Srebrenica U.K.

Paintings by McNeil have been acquired by Glasgow Museums, and Musée de la Bataille de Fromelles, France. Two of his paintings from DARK BOSNIA are already earmarked for the National History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials.
Other related works by Robert McNeil and other work can be seen here.