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 Zahornacký is a Slovak photographer known for his artistic figurative portraits and urban photography with experimental elements. His work balances between reality and fiction, creating images that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

Michal’s photography explores themes like identity, dynamics, traditions, and the human body. He is unafraid to experiment with photographic techniques, always seeking original visualizations of his subjects. His images are strong and focused, often highlighting just a few key details to evoke specific thoughts or emotions. He uses light and shading uniquely to add depth and structure to his photos, making his subjects stand out and inviting viewers to reflect on what they see.

Michal strives to infuse his personal perspective into each photograph, creating a unique visual language that resonates with his audience. His work has been exhibited in several countries, including China (Shanghai, Beijing), France (Paris), Slovakia (Bratislava), the Czech Republic (Krnov), and Poland (Belchatów). Michal Zahornacký continues to push the boundaries of photography, creating powerful and memorable visual art.