His and Her Perspective: Photographic Journey Through Prison Life

Drndarević, Nikola and Batrićević, Ana (2026) His and Her Perspective: Photographic Journey Through Prison Life. Institute of Criminological and Sociological Research, Belgrade.

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Abstract

The mere thought of the loss of freedom, regardless of its cause, and all the suffering that follows, leaves us speechless. Struck by the tribulations of the life behind the bars, our need to share our scientific notions and emotional insights found its expression in photography. The photographs lending a voice to a thousand words become more than the documented fragments of reality, emerging as visualizations of the unspoken, hinted, possible. They become the windows providing insight into the world that is isolated, intimidating and for the majority unfamiliar. Yet, a world nearby. The lack of knowledge about this world commonly gives birth to prejudice and fear, making us forget that there is life happening on the other side of the wall. The lives of people with all their virtues and flaws, successes and failures, rises and falls, lights and shadows. The images of these lives are heavy with the atmosphere of constraints, but occasionally enlightened by trickles of hope. Each photograph invites us to read a passage from a person’s life story without condemnation and resentment, encouraging understanding and empathy. This photographic journey contains the photographs taken throughout the years of field research work in Correctional Institutions in Serbia, with the consent of the Administration for the Enforcement of Criminal Sanctions of the Republic of Serbia, conducted by Nikola Drndarević and Ana Batrićević, researchers from the Institute for Criminological and Sociological Research. Containing six chapters, the photobook depicts various aspects of prison life, from the cold prison walls to heartwarming interactions, showing that life continues and that meaning can be found despite one’s past experience and present difficulties.

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