A multimedia exhibition by Belgian artist Nicolas Wieërs titled "Surrounded by Criminals – But Some Are More So Than Others" has opened at Europe House in Sarajevo, offering a rare glimpse into the secretive world of the Vory v Zakone criminal fraternity in Moldova. The exhibition, which opened on 15 July 2026, uses a socio-documentary approach featuring over 130 black-and-white photographic portraits, short videos, original drawings, and audio recordings that focus on the coded language of Soviet prison tattoos.
Ferdinand Koenig, Head of Communications and Spokesperson of the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed attendees at the opening, highlighting the role of contemporary art in fostering dialogue on human rights and social accountability. He noted that while the "thieves in law" concept is specific to the post-Soviet world, it offers perspectives relevant to the Western Balkans and raises questions on human rights and prison reform. The exhibition is the result of years of anthropological research by Wieërs, who lived in Moldova for five years and built trust with former members of the subculture. "This exhibition is not a fascination with crime, but an invitation to question our assumptions about justice, exclusion, and the true forms of criminality that surround us," Wieërs said.
The installation, previously exhibited in Brussels, Chișinău, and Florence, will be open to visitors at Europe House Sarajevo until 10 August 2026. Wieërs is also the founder of the Balkan Trafik! festival in Brussels, which promotes cultural diplomacy and connects communities from South-East Europe.