The cultural event “Princip’s Days” officially opened last night in East Novo Sarajevo, marking the beginning of one of the region’s most important cultural manifestations. As part of the programme, the “White Wolf” Art Colony was also launched, bringing together ten artists from Republika Srpska, Serbia and Montenegro.
Art colony selector Miloš Popović said that this year’s edition features six guest artists alongside four participants from East Sarajevo.
“We are hosting established artists. An exhibition of the works created during the colony will be held on June 28. Participants are free to choose their own themes, although in previous years many have drawn inspiration from the landscapes of this region or its prominent historical figures,” Popović said.
He added that the opening also featured a retrospective exhibition of 27 artworks created during the previous seven editions of the “White Wolf” Art Colony.
History and the landscapes of Tvrdimići
Painter Vladimir Milanović from Foča, who is taking part in the colony for the fourth time, said that previous editions focused on the exodus of Sarajevo Serbs and the trial of the Young Bosnia movement.
“I haven’t yet decided what I will paint this year, but it will most likely be inspired by history. I always enjoy taking part in this colony and painting in Tvrdimići because the scenery is beautiful and highly inspiring,” Milanović said.
Artist Marija Mišić, participating for the third time, said she would paint landscapes for the first time.
“I will contribute two paintings this year. The atmosphere is always wonderful, both at the Cultural Centre and in Tvrdimići. Last year I painted a dog, while this year I have decided to focus on landscapes,” she said.
Preserving the truth about Gavrilo Princip
Nikolina Pandurević, Director of the East Novo Sarajevo Cultural Centre, stressed that at a time when history is increasingly being rewritten, it is important to preserve the truth about Gavrilo Princip and pass it on to younger generations.
She announced a rich programme that includes the promotion of Nedeljko Simanić’s novel Succubus, a musical evening titled Towards Vidovdan featuring Pavlina Radovanović, a poetry and music performance Sheltered in Poetry, and Ljubo Božović’s monodrama Vuk Stefanović Karadžić.
Vidovdan programme and awards
On Vidovdan, June 28, flowers will be laid at Gavrilo Princip’s grave at the Church of Saints George and Gabriel Cemetery in Sarajevo, followed by a ceremony at the Gavrilo Princip monument in East Novo Sarajevo.
The event was officially opened by Igor Đokanović, Head of the Department for Economy and Social Affairs of East Novo Sarajevo Municipality, who described “Princip’s Days” as one of the city’s most recognisable cultural symbols.
“This is one of the cultural pillars of our city and one of its highest-quality artistic events,” Đokanović said.
During the opening ceremony, plaques of appreciation were presented to East Sarajevo Mayor Ljubiša Ćosić for his contribution to establishing and developing the event, and to former Cultural Centre director Mladen Janković for his outstanding contribution to its organisation.
“Princip’s Days are a unique story and an integral part of our national identity. This manifestation belongs to the entire Serbian people,” Ćosić said.
The opening ceremony concluded with the stage performance Gavrilo Princip for Freedom and Eternity, written and directed by Milan Dimić and performed by Milan Dimić and Mila Krstić.
Source: Glas Srpske
