Safet Zec's exhibition 'Molitva' opened at Europe House, can be viewed until January 31st

(Patria) - A new exhibition by one of the greatest living Bosnian-Herzegovinian visual artists, Safet Zec, has opened at Europe House in the Eternal Flame building in the heart of Sarajevo.

The exhibition Molitva contemplates the concept of prayer as a universal means of strengthening understanding, empathy, and compassion, themes that have always been central to Safet Zec's work, and which are currently needed more than ever.

Ambassador Johann Sattler, Head of the European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative in BiH, reminded attendees of the unique expression, vision, and emotion of Maestro Zec that is conveyed through his art.

“As an artist, Safet has always sought dialogue and universal understanding. His works speak to all people and therefore have a unique power. It is very fitting that his latest exhibition is on the theme of ‘Molitva’ (Prayer). Prayer is both a deeply personal and private moment, which is at the same time universally understandable and accessible. I hope this powerful exhibition will remind us of the strength of compassion, empathy, and solidarity, values that Safet promotes and lives by,” said Ambassador Sattler.

The author emphasized that with the exhibition Molitva, he welcomes the opening of the Europe House space in the heart of Sarajevo. The latest cycle joins the author's previous works that explored the symbolic meanings of hands, including Exodus and Embrace.

“It is incredible that we are here today in this palace in the center of Sarajevo for the opening of an exhibition. This dream started a long time ago. I am grateful to the young people who will lead this space and I wish them a lot of luck and many such events,” emphasized Safet Zec.

“One of Safet Zec's many studies after Rembrandt is also on display tonight. By painting clusters of human hands raised in prayer to the heavens, Safet Zec reminds us of the forms and expressions that throughout art history evoke compassion in suffering and longing for divine grace. The voices of different religious traditions in Safet Zec's Molitva echo with an equally strong need for hope and confirm the power of art to connect us in a shared experience,” said Aida Abadžić-Hodžić, the exhibition curator.

The Molitva exhibition is funded by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is organized in cooperation with the Ivanka and Safet Zec Foundation. It is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 at Europe House, Maršala Tita 62 in Sarajevo until January 31, 2024.