Fifth in Series "From Waste to Value" Exhibition Opens – Ismihana Hukelić and Ilma Pandžo

Student works "IKKESAI/WILD/UNTAMED" by Ismihana Hukelić and "CETAT/ČIKART" by Ilma Pandžo, an alumna of the Product Design Department at the Academy of Fine Arts, University of Sarajevo, were presented at the "Box" exhibition space on the plateau of the Importanne Center in Sarajevo. The exhibition is on display from September to October 2026.

ISMIHANA HUKELIĆ "Ikkasei/WILD/UnTamed" – Development of a New Material Semester and Final Project Mentor: Prof. Mr. Sanda Popovac

Project Description: This three-part project explores the development of a self-made biodegradable material derived from orange and lemon peels, initiated at the end of 2019 and developed through three phases. "Ikkasei" presents the material through a collection of multi-purpose bowls inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, which embraces imperfection and natural irregularities. "WILD" directs the research towards nature, translating its colors, textures, and organic structures into a collection of seven necklaces based on principles of repetition, growth, harmony, and the relationship between order and chaos. "UnTamed," the final and diploma project, further advances the material and shifts from natural inspiration to artistic abstraction, relying on the Russian avant-garde and the creative work of Kandinsky, Malevich, and El Lissitzky.

Together, these projects trace the development of the material and concept, from transforming organic waste into meaningful objects to exploring its potential as a medium for artistic expression and functional design.

ILMA PANDŽO "Cetat/Čikart" – Jewelry and Decorative Lamp from Recycled Cigarette Filters Semester Project Mentor: Prof. Mr. Sanda Popovac

Project Description: Cetat – Jewelry Collection "Cetat" is a jewelry collection created by exploring the possibilities of materials obtained from recycling discarded cigarette filters. The filters are collected, separated from their paper wrappers, cleaned, dried, and shredded, then thermally pressed into compact sheets. The resulting material is cut, shaped, and joined into wearable jewelry pieces, where its texture and origin remain a significant part of their appearance.

The idea behind the collection is to bring waste, which usually goes unnoticed or is discarded, closer to people through an object worn on the body. Thus, the jewelry becomes a reminder of the amount of waste we generate daily, as well as a metaphor for the traces smoking leaves on the body and the environment. "Cetat" connects material experimentation, utility value, and a visual message within a small, personal object.

Čikart – Decorative Lamp "Čikart" is a concept for a decorative lamp made from the same material obtained by recycling cigarette filters. Unlike the jewelry, this project explores the material's ability to transmit and filter light. Semi-transparent sheets are placed in a simple frame, and when illuminated, their fibrous structure, texture, and irregularities created during production become prominent.

The lamp transforms a material associated with pollution into a source of pleasant atmosphere and visual experience. Its minimalist construction allows for various sheet compositions and opens the possibility for developing larger light installations. "Čikart" invites viewers to reconsider what they consider waste and whether materials we discard can acquire new aesthetic and functional value.

The common basis of these projects is the development of materials from problematic waste. Through two different products—an object worn on the body and an object that shapes space with light—"Cetat" and "Čikart" demonstrate the range of its possible applications.

The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between the Academy of Fine Arts Sarajevo and Sparkasse Bank, where young designers have the opportunity, through the "From Waste to Value" project during 2026, to present works created from discarded materials to the public. The works presented at this exhibition were created as part of the educational process at the Product Design Department of ALU UNSA. The goal of the exhibition is to raise awareness about responsible waste management, reducing environmental pollution, and the importance of a circular economy. The project is connected to the mission of the ReuseChain.ba platform, created by the Mozaik Foundation with the support of Sparkasse Bank.