Saša Šekoranja’s Enchanting ‘First Snow’ Captivates Advent Zagreb

Advent Zagreb, held from November 9, 2025, to January 7, 2026, is known for its charming Christmas markets, decorations, and cultural events. It has been named the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe three times in a row, and today, renowned international media recommend it as one of the most beautiful Christmas fairs worth visiting. 

In collaboration with the Zagreb Tourist Board and the National Museum of Modern Art (NMMU), Šekoranja presents the exhibition “Prvi snijeg” (First Snow), located in the very center of Zagreb, in the Oktogon passage (the former First City Savings Bank building). The exhibition is conceived as a synthesis of light, sound, and words, and serves as an emotional trigger, evoking personal memories of childhood, silence, and holiday anticipation. 

The central form, nearly ten meters high, is made of illuminated text fragments – words that float in the air, creating light poetry. Each of these words refers to the lyrics of the song “First Snow” performed by Gabi Novak, which, according to the artist, is part of his personal and artistic memory. 

Gabi Novak is a legendary Croatian singer known for her velvety voice and emotional interpretations of jazz and pop standards. During her career, she collaborated with numerous renowned composers, and her performances, including the song “First Snow”, have marked the musical identity of multiple generations in Croatia. Precisely because of her authenticity and emotional expression, Šekoranja chose her song as the musical backdrop for his installation. 

Šekoranja speaks about his installation: 

Šekoranja reveals the inspiration behind the exhibition and to whom it is dedicated: 

“When I think of Christmas, I think of warmth, the warmth of home, the city. But at the same time, which is contradictory, Christmas is also a time of cold, but perhaps that is why the longing for warmth is stronger. At that time, I want to return to childhood and feel all the joy of anticipation and excitement. That is why Gabi Novak. Her velvety voice full of emotion. Listening to and growing up with Gabi’s music, I am aware that she not only touched me, but actually shaped me. So urban and sophisticated, yet extremely authentic. I take the song ‘First Snow,’ with lyrics by Ivica Krajač and music by Nikica Kalogjera, as the main theme of the exhibition in Oktogon NMMU. It is a sound backdrop that repeats in a loop. The central installation is a luminous form, almost 10 meters high, woven from words of the song written in light. I can’t wait to see the realization. You know how some things work perfectly in the idea, but in execution they can be a total fiasco. There is always that tension or fear before the actual setup and exhibition. Around the installation, about fifty drawings on the theme of the winter city will be exhibited, drawn in pen and ink with a little gouache. They were drawn quickly, like sketches, somehow straight from my head, whatever came to mind: the old funicular, chimney sweep Štef, the Music Pavilion, Nama, the Theatre, Lisinski… It’s truly a miracle to have a moment of silence when one dives into memories, and the focus becomes only that piece of paper in front of you. It’s a story about snow, whiteness, and old dreams that remained in the past, as Proust says. I’m happy that I can present my work and dedicate the exhibition to Gabi Novak in this Oktogon passage. I believe it will be a beautiful gift to the city.” 

The First Snow exhibition delights with its beauty, warmth, and emotion – it is the perfect place to pause, enjoy, and find inspiration. Open until January 7, it provides every visitor with an unforgettable experience and shows why Advent Zagreb is truly magical! 

Discover Saša Šekoranja’s extraordinary work on his Instagram profile and immerse yourself in his magical world of art and inspiration!

Photo: Marin Tomaš