Promoted Monograph “Art Collection of the University of Sarajevo Rectorate” and an open exhibition of UNSA Rectorate Art
A unique cultural event dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the richness of the artistic heritage of the University of Sarajevo: the official promotion of the monograph “Art Collection of the University of Sarajevo Rectorate” and the exhibition of art of the University of Sarajevo Rectorate, took place on 11 December 2023 in the BiH Art Gallery, as part of the December Ceremonies day and celebration of the 74th Anniversary of the University of Sarajevo.
During the past seventy-four years, the University of Sarajevo has proudly collected and preserved a priceless collection of works of art. This collection has become a symbol of permanent cooperation and memories of the most significant moments in the history of our institution.
The monograph gathers 71 works of art, signed by 49 authors from different artistic periods. The collection includes a wide range of artistic expressions, from drawings, paintings, graphics to sculptures. The works come from artists who created between the two world wars all the way to contemporary authors, and among them old masters such as Tomislav Krizman, whose work “Procession” was created as early as 1909, as well as other great men of the 20th century such as Ismet Mujezinović, Roman Petrović, Ljuba Lah, Mersad Berber, Mica Todorović, Alija Kučukalić, Mirsad Konstantinović, Franjo Likar and Salim Obralić.
The promotion of this important monograph and the exhibition of selected works of art was opened by the rector of the University of Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Rifat Škrijelj, stressing that the University of Sarajevo, celebrating 74 years of work and development, celebrates the richness of its artistic heritage. “We have endeavored to preserve the valuable collection of works of art that we have proudly collected over the past seventy-four years. This collection is not only a set of works of art, but a symbol of permanent cooperation, memories of key moments in the history of our institution and an expression of our commitment to art”, emphasized Rector Škrijelj and added that by collecting works of art, the University of Sarajevo built not only a collection of works of art , but also a strong connection with art. “This realized connection has become an integral part of our identity, enriching our academic community and inspiring us in scientific-research and artistic-research work,” said Rector Škrijelj. He also added that what makes this event special is the fact that for the first time the artistic material of the Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo has been evaluated, systematized and scientifically processed, and that the result of these efforts is reflected in the Monograph and the exhibition.
“This event also represents an important step towards opening the doors of the artistic heritage of the University of Sarajevo to the wider public. It is also a message and a good example of how the artistic material stored in the faculties, academies and institutes of our university could be processed and made accessible to everyone. We are paving the way towards the idea of forming a gallery within the University, where we would treat this valuable material according to the principles of gallery and museum work”, stated Rector Škrijelj.
The promotion of the monograph and the exhibition are part of the wider effort of the University of Sarajevo to promote art and the artistic achievements of our teachers and students.
The monograph was presented by the promoters: Dr. Ibrahim Krzović, professor emeritus of the University of Sarajevo, retired professor of the Academy of Fine Arts - reviewer; Prof. Dr. Asja Mandić from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo - reviewer, dr. Merima Omeragić, senior associate - Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo - reviewer, and M.Sc. Adela Nurković Kulenović, senior associate - University of Sarajevo Rectorate - editor of the Monograph and author of the exhibition.
In the creation of the Monograph “Collection of art of the Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo” in the selection of photos, the following participated: assistant professor Damir Šagolj from the Academy of Performing Arts of the University of Sarajevo and assistant Ismar Žalica from the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of Sarajevo. The design of the monograph was done by assistant professor Sandro Drinovac from the Academy of Fine Arts, University of Sarajevo, and the collaborator on the preparation of the Monograph was senior assistant M.Sc. Andrea Mekić, from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Ostojić presented Rector Škrijelj with a suitable gift on behalf of that higher education institution, and numerous congratulations were sent to the address of the University of Sarajevo on the occasion of the celebration of the 74th anniversary.
The art exhibition of the University of Sarajevo Rectorate will remain open in the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina until 23 December 2023.
Photo: Vanja Čerimagić
