An exhibition titled “Tracing Existence”, featuring paintings by Anja Rašić and Lena Zec, was opened at the Cultural Center in East Novo Sarajevo and will remain on display until July 27.
Professor Goran Janićijević told Glas Srpske that the exhibition reflects both similarities and differences.
“What unites the works is reflected in the title ‘Tracing Existence’ — a trace of the beauty of what was created, as our history began through that beauty, which is its original form. The painter senses certain vibrations in nature itself. What differs, however, is their artistic temperament. Lena’s approach is more intimate, with lighter colors, while Anja’s work shows intensity and a more expressive style,” said Janićijević, who also opened the exhibition.
He added that the exhibition is interesting because it allows viewers to observe both the shared and individual artistic visions — how two young women of similar age, living in the same region, can see the same world in completely different ways.
“By observing this exhibition, we’ll be able to assess how accurately we perceive their work. In the coming years, we’ll see whether they continue down this path and whether their art develops in a more defined direction,” Janićijević noted.
He emphasized the dedication of both artists, even though they are professionally engaged in entirely different fields. Lena Zec holds a degree from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and is currently preparing her doctoral defense in Belgrade, while Anja is a philologist and Germanist. According to Janićijević, both have shown significant talent in visual art, which for them is more than just a hobby.
“It is remarkable that in such a small community, spontaneous creativity like this arises. It shows just how vast the human spirit is and how often we are surprised by the creative potential of today’s youth,” he said.
Anja Rašić explained that she is a graduate professor of German language and literature and considers herself an amateur painter. She met Lana Zec last year during iconography classes organized by the local youth center, under the guidance of the Orthodox Church and the icon painters’ association “St. Peter of Sarajevo.”
“When we met, we became friends. After six months of creating, we decided to join forces and prepare this exhibition. It revolves around the theme of creation and encompasses all of God’s creations — from the plant to the animal world. The organization of the works happened somewhat by chance. We didn’t set out with the intention of holding an exhibition, but once we saw how many works we had, we decided to crown it with this event,” Rašić told Glas Srpske.
When asked about her sources of inspiration, Rašić said it is primarily nature — landscapes, still lifes, and the world around us. She added that this is their first exhibition and that it was realized in collaboration with Professor Janićijević, who, in her view, laid the foundation for their work and creativity.
Lena Zec emphasized that her interest in painting began when she wanted to paint her first icon of Christ.
“I managed to do so during iconography classes thanks to Professor Janićijević, who introduced us to painting techniques. I’m very grateful to him. Afterward, I started painting landscapes, still lifes — everything around us that inspires me,” Zec told Glas Srpske.
She noted that the idea for a joint exhibition came spontaneously while they were in the studio.
“We realized we had a similar style and used the same technique — oil on canvas — so we decided to organize an exhibition to share with art lovers,” Zec said, adding that they are very grateful to the Cultural Center for giving them the opportunity to realize this joint exhibition.
Source: RTRS
