Beli Manastir hosts first Panonian Watercolor Biennial

The first Panonian Watercolor Biennial, named after the artist Boris Salamaha, is being held in Beli Manastir at the Pannonia Valeria Art Salon. The event, organized by the Pannonia Academy of Arts and Culture, runs from September 30 to October 6.

The biennial honors Salamaha, a prolific artist from the Baranja region who produced over 15,000 works, including approximately 12,000 watercolors, during his career. The initiative aims to refocus attention on the watercolor technique and the artistic heritage of the Pannonian region.

From an initial pool of 53 applicants and 140 works, a selection committee chose 30 works by 13 artists representing various locations, including Baranja, Osijek, Vinkovci, Rijeka, Konavle, Novi Sad, and Mohács. The Grand Prix for excellence was awarded to academic painter Radi Marković from Darda for a digital work that achieved a watercolor effect, a decision intended to spark dialogue between traditional techniques and new technologies. Other prize winners include Nevena Živić and Jasna Popović.