VII International Art Colony Sarajevo 2019

The seventh International Art Colony took place in Sarajevo, from 21-28 August. Organized by Preporod Gallery, the event resulted in an exhibition that initially opened at the historical building Hanikah, but was then moved to Preporod Gallery where it will be on view until September 30, 2019.

The colony brought together artists from 11 countries, Bosnia, Turkey, Cyprus, Macedonia, Serbia, Greece, France, Italy, Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Participating artists are Dzevad Hozo (BiH), Edin Numankadic (BiH), Ä†azim Hadzimjelic (BiH), Mirsada Baljic(BiH), Semsa Gavrankapetanovic (BiH), Adis Lukac (BiH), Amra Kozic (BiH), Ilonka Jasak (BiH), Birsen Ceken (Turkey), Fatih Basbug (Turkey), Zuhal Basbug (Turkey), Ahmet Ture (Turkey), Berk Kaya (Turkey), Idris Eskil (Turkey), Pinar Koc (Turkey), Alice Suret-Canale (France), Gian Luka Palazzolo (Italy), Mustafa Arapi (Albania), Marjana Goxhabelliu (Albania), Selver Kadrovic (Montenegro), Besnik Xhemaili (Kosovo), Fehim HuskoviÄ‡ (Macedonia), Nehat Sakiri (Macedonia), Mehmed Slezovic (Serbia), Nora Lefa (Greece), Nilufer Inandin (Cyprus), and Hasan Zeybek (Cyprus).

The theme of the colony was 'Sevdah', a term that illustrates the particular lyrical feeling in Bosnian folk songs. Considering the richness of the Ottoman architecture of Sarajevo, and the picturesque natural surroundings, the artists have made every effort to find inspiration in such motifs and to give everything a new and specific artistic interpretation. The exhibited works ranged from abstract to various traditional motifs, from images of city landmarks to mosques.

Most of the works show a strong and free colour palette as well as a lucid approach to the topic, so this year's colony presents high-quality artworks. After all, the goal of such and similar manifestations is to exchange experiences by artists from different countries, as well as to familiarize them with the cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The exhibition awakened great public interest and so many visitors attended the opening. The exhibition was opened by Mirsada BaljiÄ‡, Director of the Preporod Gallery; Dr. Sanjin KordiÄ‡, President of the Association Preporod, and Mr. Haldun Koc, Turkish Ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Art Colony was supported by the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo, the City of Sarajevo, and the Canton Ministry of Culture and Sport.

VII International Art Colony Sarajevo 2019, from the opening of the exhibition at Hanikah / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine