Olivera Stević
'Neither Here Nor There' is a travelling café cart and printed newspaper that explores the everyday experiences of diaspora in Ireland. Through culturally blended drinks, personal stories, and interactive touchpoints, the project creates a space for people to feel seen, understood, and connected, even when they live between cultures.
To create a space where diaspora communities feel seen, heard, and connected. By sparking conversation through the newspaper, customers are invited to listen, reflect, and understand what it means to live between cultures.
A fully branded café cart supported by a range of designed materials including a newspaper, postcards, coffee cups, menu, and info stand. Alongside the cart, a website houses the project archive. This will allow people to view past newspaper issues, check the cart’s calendar, and contribute their own stories to future editions.
My thesis explores the complex history and cultural identity of Yugoslavia, framed by my personal experiences as a Serbian from Vukovar, Croatia. Beginning with a historical overview, I examine the unification of the diverse ethnic groups into the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and how the country transformed into a socialist state under Josip Broz Tito. I highlight Tito's distinctive leadership, the uniqueness of Yugoslavia compared to other socialist states, and the emergence of consumer culture, resulting in product patriotism after the split of Yugoslavia as former Yugoslavian brands were re-nationalised.
The analysis focuses on two iconic drinks, Cockta and Pipi, as symbols of Yugoslav nostalgia and identity. The study explores how shared memories and rebranding reflect tensions between preserving Yugoslav legacies and fostering new national identities. This work provides a detailed understanding of how history, memory, and cultural identity are inter-twined in post-Yugoslavia Croatia and Serbia.
Hi, my name is Olivera. I'm a Dublin based designer but originally from Croatia. I have a passion for exploring the world through a creative and strategic lens. My interests span across typography, editorial design, experiential design, and design strategy. I’m driven by a deep curiosity for problem-solving and I'm always eager to challenge myself and discover new ways of thinking. I approach each project with thoughtful intention and a desire to communicate clearly and creatively. I enjoy asking questions, pushing boundaries, and continuously learning from the world around me.
