Architecture 1st place winner

Through a series of layered, repetitive architectural patterns, the series Close by Michal Zahornacky alludes to the suffocating atmosphere of the pandemic. The fine art photographer, who lives and works in Slovakia, cramps his frames with same image over and over, creating visuals that run parallel to our experiences and reactions to the self-imposed distancing and social withdrawal. "Close" manifests the actual situation when we were forced to close our doors and stay home. It made us come closer together – as a humanity, family, friends and ourselves.

Known for infusing his moods and thoughts into his fine art and conceptual imagery, Zahornacky’s visual narratives are presented in an abstract, thought-provoking and imaginative manner.

Michal Zahornacky is a visual artist working with photography and the human figure. He is currently based in Slovakia.

As a photographer, he tends to promote an artistic approach to each genre he focuses on. He sits his work somewhere near the thin line between reality and fiction. In recent years, he has been inspired by topics such as identity, dynamics, traditions or the body.

His work ensured him exhibitions at galleries in countries and cities like Shanghai, Beijing (China), Paris (France), Bratislava (Slovakia), Krnov (Czech Republic), Belchatow (Poland). He received many awards for his works such as 1st place FAPA, Fine Art Photography Awards winner in category Architecture, for his project CLOSE (2021), 2nd place FAPA Awards winner in category Abstract, for his project CURVES (2019).