A new exhibition by one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s greatest living artists Safet Zec opened this evening in Europe House in the Vjecna Vatra building in the heart of Sarajevo. The exhibition “Prayer” reflects upon the concept of prayer as a universal means of strengthening understanding, empathy and compassion, themes which have always been central to Safet Zec’s work, and which are currently needed as much as ever.
Ambassador Johann Sattler, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU Special Representative in BiH, reminded the audience of maestro Zec’s unique expression, vision and emotion conveyed through his art. “As an artist, Safet has always sought dialogue and universal understanding. His work speaks to people of all backgrounds and it is why it has a unique power. It is highly appropriate therefore that his latest exhibition should have the theme ‘Prayer’. A Prayer is both a deeply personal and private moment, that is at the same time universally understandable and accessible. I hope this powerful exhibition will remind us all of the power of compassion, empathy and solidarity, values which Safet has promoted and lived throughout his life,” noted Ambassador Sattler.
Safet Zec noted that the exhibition Prayer is intended to complement the newly opened premises of Europe House 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 still unbelievable that we are here today at this art event in this historic landmark, a palace in the centre of the city. This dream has been in the making for so long,” said Safet Zec.
“One of Safet Zec’s numerous studies of Rembrant is exhibited tonight. By depicting clusters of human hands raised in prayer towards the sky, Safet Zec reminds us, throughout the history of art, of various forms and expressions that awaken compassion in suffering and longing for divine grace. The voices of various religious traditions in Safet Zec’s Prayer resonate with an equally strong need for hope and reaffirm the power of art to bring us all together along the lines of a shared experience ,” noted Aida Abadžić-Hodžić, exhibition curator.
The exhibition Prayer was financed by the European Union in BiH, and organised in cooperation with the Ivanka and Safet Zec Foundation. It is open to members of public from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 in Europe House, Maršala Tita 62 until 31 January 2024.
Europe House is a long-term communications project of the Delegation of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, superseding the EU Info Centre in BiH, with its central office in Sarajevo (Europe House) and a network of Europe House Info Points across Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a project, Europe House provides relevant information on programmes, projects, institutions and policies of the European Union, as well as on relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union. Europe House network activities include organisation of informative and inspiring events across BiH, with the aim of promoting European values in BiH.