Abstract 1st place winner

DOTS series documents urban landscapes from the air. Its author's interest in people, and their wider position on Earth, that is reflected in his wider body of work. Zebra crossings, intersections, ping-pong tables and playgrounds are transformed into abstract compositions, punctuated by bright circles. Each scene would, ordinarily, be filled with individuals: crossing roads, playing hopscotch, driving. Instead, it presents human absence. Streets are deserted, cars are nowhere to be found. In this way, Zahornacky reduces man-made structures to a simple series of lines, curves and colours.

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.