Through the Lens of Martin Koenig
Photo Exhibit and Interview
The work of renowned folklorist, ethnographer, and photographer Martin Koenig will also be featured in the gallery. Beginning in the 1960s, Koenig traveled extensively through Eastern Europe, documenting traditional music, dance, and daily life—much of it in rural communities untouched by modern change.
His striking black-and-white photographs capture moments of joy, resilience, and human connection: a village dance in full swing, farmers at work in the fields, children learning the steps of an ancient kolo. At CroatiaFest, visitors will have the rare opportunity to see Koenig’s images of Croatian communities alongside his broader body of work, offering a visual record of traditions that, in some cases, have all but disappeared.
In addition to the photo exhibit, Seattle Jr. Tamburitzans Artistic Director John Morovich will conduct a special interview with Martin Koenig at the festical, exploring his decades of experiences documenting Croatian folklore through photography, audio recordings, and film. This conversation will offer audiences a deeper understanding of Koenig’s fieldwork and the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage for future generations.
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
3rd Floor Art Gallery
Seattle Center Armory
