Celebrating its 80th anniversary, the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is set to host “The Morning Will Change Everything,” the first solo museum exhibition by renowned Spanish artist Sebas Velasco. This landmark event will open on April 4, 2025, in Sarajevo, presenting a captivating series of original oil paintings that explore urban landscapes and human narratives shaped by history, identity, and cultural evolution.
Taking inspiration from the legendary Sarajevo-based band Indexi and their song of the same name, “The Morning Will Change Everything” is more than a showcase of Velasco’s striking artworks. The exhibition delves deep into the socio-economic and cultural transformations of the Balkans, captured through the artist’s decade-long travels across the region. His evocative paintings—depicting parking lots, residential streets, and intimate portraits—act as portals into the lived realities of cities marked by transition and resilience.
Through his use of expressive brushstrokes and cinematic lighting, Velasco elevates everyday moments into profound reflections on the interplay between people, architecture, and historical memory. From the rooftops of Sarajevo’s Grbavica at dusk to the neon-lit corners of Alipašino Polje, his work navigates the liminal space between nostalgia and the present, drawing attention to the shifting notions of territory and belonging.
In partnership with the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a revered institution dedicated to preserving cultural memory, Velasco’s exhibition extends beyond the canvas. “The Morning Will Change Everything” offers a multidisciplinary experience that interweaves painting with Balkan languages, music, and filmmaking. The exhibition highlights local narratives, amplifying voices from a community of artists, historians, and cultural producers within the museum’s iconic brutalist setting—formerly the Museum of Revolution.
The opening event will feature a Q&A session and a film screening by acclaimed Bosnian filmmaker Mario Ilić, followed by an exhibition unveiling at 19:30. Over the opening weekend, visitors can participate in a guided tour, artist talks, and a live performance by Spanish guitarist Jaime Velasco, fostering a rich dialogue between local and international creatives.
Beyond the visual experience, the exhibition will host a series of thought-provoking discussions featuring prominent artists, writers, and curators. Highlights include:
- “Representation: Finding the Warmth in the Grey” – A conversation with Sebas Velasco, writer Marc Casals, and curator Adna Muslija, exploring artistic representation and storytelling through urban landscapes.
- “Against the Margins: Breaking Isolation” – A discussion with museum director Elma Hašimbegović, artist Bojan Stojčić, and curator Saša Bogojev, tackling the role of art in overcoming cultural and social isolation.
Sebas Velasco (b. 1988) has cemented his reputation as a leading contemporary artist, capturing the evolving relationships between architecture, politics, and society. With a portfolio that includes collaborations with institutions such as the Prado Museum and the Museum of European Modern Art in Barcelona, his work has been exhibited across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Through his paintings and large-scale murals, Velasco documents transitional landscapes, shedding light on the shared histories and contemporary struggles of Eastern European cities.
Produced by cultural consultant Charlotte Pyatt and supported by the Spanish Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, “The Morning Will Change Everything” is a testament to the power of cross-cultural exchange. With the involvement of Sarajevo’s Manifesto Gallery and media partner Fifth Wall TV, the exhibition fosters a dynamic space for public dialogue, artistic expression, and cultural preservation.
As Sarajevo continues to navigate its own complex historical narrative, Velasco’s work stands as a poignant reminder of the resilience embedded within urban spaces. “The Morning Will Change Everything” is not just an exhibition—it is an invitation to witness the poetic intersection of memory, identity, and art within the ever-changing landscape of the Balkans.
Exhibition Details:
- Venue: History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo.
71000, Zmaja od Bosne 5, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina - Opening Date: April 4, 2025, 18:00 (Q&A and Film Screening), 19:30 (Public Opening)
- Event Highlights: Guided tours, panel discussions, and a live performance by Jaime Velasco
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