The "Normalization" of Czech

Whilst in Prague I visited an exhibition of a Czech photographer. This woman started taking photos when she was 18 years old, and therefore most of her photos were captured during the Cold War period. Thus there is a massive influence of the communist era throughout her exhibition. The "Normalization" of Czech was a period stretching from 1969 to 1987, and referred to the firm establishment of the communist regime in the then Czechoslovakia, and the subsequent assertion of the communist ideals and values. All of the photos were in black and white, and were mostly of Czech men, women and children at work or play. The photos were a stark and grave reminder of the communist years experienced by the Czech population, and the black and white gave them such a dark and honest feel. I feel so privileged to have seen this exhibition, especially because of my love for history and photography.

The photo on the far left was one of my favourites. It was taken at the time of the Soviet withdrawal form Czechoslovakia. It shows Soviet soldiers packing up equipment, and the text reads:

"We are leaving, but friendship remains."

Something about it grabbed my attention. I find the politics and history of the Cold War absolutely fascinating.