Opus: Sarajevo City of Light, SARAJEVO Gateway of Hell, BOSNIA in Tragic WAR, POETIC Beauty and Strength of the Human Spirit, “The Siege of Sarajevo was the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare. After being initially besieged by the forces of the Yugoslav People's Army, Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was besieged by the Army of Serbian from 5 April 1992 to 29 February 1996 (1,425 days) during the Bosnian War. The siege lasted three times longer than the Battle of Stalingrad and more than a year longer than the Siege of Leningrad.” During the years of terror cast upon Bosnia and my city of Sarajevo, photography remained my only medium of artistic expression. My painting conditions were nonexistent, (shortage of materials, time, and peace). My photographs were captured while walking between steps. Each step representing life or death… In this town of sorrows, agony surrounded by walls of hatred and evil, I encountered the most extraordinary beings in this world. They are genuine people, without hatred; people who survive inside the walls of a besieged city, without electricity, fuel, food, water, etc. Sarajevo became the massacred city where every new day is awaited as a miracle; awaited with patience and disbelief that you are still alive. There was a light that continued to glow from this destroyed city and its people; they had not lost their spirit. Exhibitions and concerts were still being attended by people who shed the tears of happiness, knowing that they couldn't kill the art. A horrifying beauty was born. Exploring light at edge of shadow. Light and darkness counterpoints, Chiaroscuro. Observation of physical and psychological reality, Acutely observed realism brought a new level of emotional intensity, Strong, dramatic expression, Perception beyond Appearances, Symbolism, POETIC Trans Realism; "There the sun doesn't shine, or the moon, or the stars, nor any earthly fire, In Its light, invisible; in a secret place, In the heart It resides."