Conceptual nominee

DOBA LUDOVA (folk age) is a photographic work in which I want to integrate parts of folk clothing into current life situations of the 21st century.
My challenge is to break down the notions of the general public that folk art is only about the life of the past and the culture of our ancestors.

The photographs show situations we are experiencing today, in the current time era (environmental problems, automation, technology, plastic, Covid, home office, fake health), but at the same time there are people simultaneously using old original pieces of folk costume. My aim is to show im metaphoric way that past and present are always connected.

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.