It was with deep sadness that I read the news that the distinguished painter Edin Numankadić had passed away, just two days before the opening of his new exhibition entitled “Presence”. The news of his passing arrived at the moment of completing the congratulatory message on the occasion of the exhibition, transforming the strong symbolism of the title into a silent, almost incredible change of meaning: presence, in one moment, transformed into absence.

Edin Numankadić was one of the most recognizable authors of his generation, or rather, generations. An artist whose work consistently connected a thoughtful artistic discipline with sensitivity for the moment and trace of human existence, for freedom through: “being”, “thinking” and “creating”. He once said: “That freedom is the most valuable thing and I have never subordinated it to anything”. And he didn’t! His works remain a testament to the persistence of creation and curiosity, but also a place of encounter: between the image and the view, between the visible and the sensed, and all through his motto of existence “I decided to live art”.

The exhibition “Presence”, which was supposed to be his next meeting with the audience, is now becoming a space of remembrance and gratitude.

In these moments, our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who appreciated his work. And while we feel the weight of his absence, the light he left behind remains present. In the paintings that will continue to speak, calmly and steadily, on his behalf, “because time is the only criterion that puts things in their place, and we can try more or less”. Today, when we say goodbye to Edin Numankadić, time will only confirm the greatness of his artistic and human legacy.

May Edin Numankadić rest in eternal peace.

Sanja Vlaisavljević, Federal Minister of Culture and Sports