Even though Mostar had always been famous by many artists the city on Neretva does not have many prominent people or important cultural manifestations in this postwar period, so any event of this kind is real refreshment in every day life has a big attention from all citizens that want to restore the old glory and reputation to the city concerning this are.

The center of culture, which is the organizer of all promotions, meetings as well was also host of an exhibition opened in Mostar a few days ago.
It is an exhibition of young student namely Maja Paunovic, who was born in Mostar but have been living in USA since 1992 due to war. 

After years spent far away from her fatherland Maja wanted to mark her first visit to her birthplace in a special way, so she chose this place to present her paintings on which she had worked for long time to audience. By this act she proved that she did not forget them despite being separated for so long. 

The audience who visited the exhibition was able to see many paintings made with different techniques such as graphics, watercolor and pastel. Most common themes on these works are motives of Mostar with rose hips, blossom, sun and river Neretva and various sort of buildings such a mosque and a church as well. 

This shows a great wish for reunion of Mostar where the religion and nation are no so important. Even though this young painter does not live in her city at the moment due to the unfortunate circumstance that happened to many of us, her paintings express the great love for Mostar and the love links her with all the other people from Mostar, who wished her a warm welcome that night.

The power of emotions which had simply shone from her works was pleasant surprise for all attending the opening organized by a poet from Mostar Mr. Alija Kebo. Maja's whole visit was successful. She said that her goal was to present herself to an audience as an artist. Time will show if she will really achieve the goal. In the beginning of her hopefully glories career, she had shown that she has the potential for improving and developing her artistic expression.

Many people had visited the exhibition and had given their positive opinion on it wishing her a big success in the future work.

 ŠEJLA MASLO  27/01/2000