Hayracks, or kozolci , are among the most distinctive and iconic features of the Slovenian rural landscape.  These wooden structures, crafted by skilled carpenters, were originally developed to dry and store hay. Over time, they came to embody much more: the ingenuity of Slovenian farmers, their adaptation to changing climatic conditions, regional building traditions, and a deep sense of identity rooted in the land. Hayracks in Studor, Bohinj, Upper Carniola, 1980s. Photo by Janez Klemenčič,...

Phtographer Vlad Dimustrescu tells us a story about traditional haymaking in Romania, illustrated with his magnificent pictures: One of the first subjects that captivated me when I began practicing photography was the world of haymaking. It is a theme that follows the rhythm of the entire year. If it’s not the work of cutting and storing the hay - from late spring until the first snowfall - then it’s the task of carrying haystacks back home and feeding the animals through winter. Among all...

If you are a fan of landscape art, you may have noticed that hay has a prominent position in art history across many countries and...