How to spend a weekend in Mostar according to a graphic designer and musician Boris Pehar

I stumbled upon the work of Boris Pehar almost by accident. Bold, contemporary, and utterly memorable to me. Boris is a graphic designer born in Mostar. He earned his master’s degree in Visual Communications Design, specializing in Typography, at the Arts Academy in Split. Today, in the city he adores, he works not only in design but also in photography, VJing, and music. I ask what he is currently working on. He says, “I am working on the design for the European Universities Games, which is an extremely demanding and complex task. It is the largest European multisport event that will take place in 2028 in Split, and the project itself holds exceptional importance for the development of the city and the university. Alongside these ‘more serious’ and large scale projects, I am also preparing this month for the release of the debut album of the band Vyeru, for which I did both the mix and the design. I cannot leave out the band Pahor, of which I am a member, and with whom we are preparing a second album and upcoming live performances.”

Exciting, I think, and I want to know more about the local art scene. “Mostar gives as much as it can at this moment. If we observe it in a regional context, it still does not have the level of development that would allow the creative scene to naturally spill beyond local boundaries. Without a strong design program, it is difficult to create a new generation of ‘hungry’ designers, as well as an audience that regularly attends exhibitions. There is a lack of professors who uphold standards through criticism, a lack of curators, a lack of infrastructure, in short, a lack of the system that forms a scene. The Academy of Fine Arts of the University of Mostar is located in another canton rather than in Mostar itself, which personally does not make much sense to me.” But when the state falls short, civic associations and self initiated efforts step in, Boris continues.

“There are valuable initiatives such as the Street Arts Festival Mostar, which has been shaping the identity of the city for years, connecting local and international artists and leaving a mark in public space. There are also many high quality local visual artists, but the question remains how many adequate gallery spaces the city currently has for their work. The Rock School and the Pavarotti Center have produced countless outstanding musicians, but having many does not necessarily mean having a scene. The question is where they perform, in what spaces they create, what publishing looks like, and whether continuity and quality exist in production. My friends and fellow citizens share knowledge and organize top tier events solely out of love, enthusiasm, and a sense of responsibility toward the community. It is precisely this strength of the local scene, which emerges despite all limitations, that motivates me most to support it.”

Since we are already talking about Advent, I ask Boris what is happening in Mostar right now. “Throughout December, the biggest events in the city are traditionally Advent and New Year’s Eve celebrations. I usually visit Advent for the food, but alongside that, there are some smaller and interesting events I would gladly recommend for this weekend.”

Friday

The clouds have moved behind the hills, the sun has finally lit up Herzegovina, and it is time to go out for a bit. Friday during the day takes me to Teco Bar. I order tea because I have just recovered, and with it I choose one of their healthy cakes. Friday night is reserved for OKC Abrašević. Pitchblack is celebrating 6 years, and DJ OGI from Rijeka is performing. His Showroom begins at 5 pm, an exhibition of flyers, artwork, and vinyls from his 30 year career. Since I also design record covers myself, this is something I will not miss. Later, I stay for the Dark Circuits party to support the scene and enjoy the music.

Saturday

For a tasty breakfast we stop by No Reservations or Block Bar, which is nearby. After eating, we head down the boulevard toward the Old Town and begin exploring the Old Bridge, followed by a photo underneath it, classic. Then we stop by the Craft Beer Garden Ima i Može, which offers a wide selection of local drinks. I must not forget the best burek in town, the buregdžinica Ago. That man is a Mostar legend, and it is an understatement to say he deserves a Michelin star.

In the afternoon we return again to OKC Abrašević. It is the second day of the Pitchblack anniversary celebration, and a vinyl workshop is being held. If you are a music lover and a record collector, this is the perfect opportunity to meet many local enthusiasts. Abrašević is located on Šantićeva Street, so I recommend wandering among the residential buildings to view the beautiful murals created over the years through the Street Arts Festival Mostar.

Sunday

We have breakfast at the Gonzales gastropub or the excellent restaurant Taboo, and we drink coffee at Calamus. The café is located at the top of a building, so we can enjoy a view of the entire city. After coffee, we head to the Partisan Memorial Cemetery, one of the most important monuments of modern architecture and the largest work of art in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This Sunday in Mostar the Ruke Art Bazaar is being held (from 12 to 8 pm) at Hotel Mostar. Since I have recently started my own business, I feel the need to support other small entrepreneurs and creatives. You can find everything there, from design pieces to winter decorations, but for me the most important thing is to feel the energy of people who create with their own hands.