The “Sreten Stojanović” Gallery in Prijedor hosted the opening of a collective exhibition tonight, featuring works by more than 30 painters from Prijedor.
Gallery Director Boris Eremić stated that this marks the conclusion of the 2024 exhibition season and represents the largest gathering of artists in the past 20 years.
“This is also the largest assembly of visual artists, including not only members of the Association of Visual Artists but also independent artists such as Professor Ljubomir Stahov from the Zagreb Academy, Biljana Gavramović from Prijedor, who is a professor at the Banja Luka Academy of Arts, Zoran Banović, a former dean of the Academy of Arts, and even students,” Eremić said.
He added that the exhibition is a showcase-style event with a sales component.
“However, as the works began arriving, we realized the exhibition is very serious and reaffirms Prijedor’s reputation as a city of painters. As a painter myself, I am proud that Prijedor artists are presenting themselves to their fellow citizens in this way,” Eremić noted.
Painter Dragan Topić highlighted that the Association of Visual Artists, of which he is a founding member, is very active, and this is one of the most extensive exhibitions of Prijedor artists to date.
“This exhibition features a wide range of authors, techniques, and motifs, ensuring that everyone who visits can find something for themselves. I hope our association has matured into a significant organization unmatched in Republika Srpska, and I believe the time has come for the establishment of a Republika Srpska-wide association headquartered in Prijedor,” Topić said.
Prijedor Mayor Slobodan Javor emphasized that thanks to its visual artists, Prijedor has gained widespread recognition. He expressed pride in the collaboration established with the Association of Visual Artists.
“We have met all their requests, and I am confident that they are highly satisfied with their cooperation with the City Administration,” Javor said.
He expressed satisfaction that the city has young painters who are continuing the work of their senior colleagues.
“Our association leads the way in Republika Srpska, and I am committed to seeing what more the city can do to support the registration of a republican association of painters, and we will insist on that,” Javor added.
He assured that the City Administration will continue to support culture and cultural workers, calling it a sound investment, and announced that significant funds will again be allocated to the association in the coming year.
The exhibition, part of the “Prijedor Winter 2024” program, will remain open until January 17.
Source: RTRS
