Conceptual nominee

"Quiet as a Fish" is a conceptual exploration of self-censorship, isolation, and the silent conflict between yearning for connection and the fear of change. The series traces an internal journey—beginning with a dream of escape, moving through hesitation and realization, only to end in surrender to silence. Using surreal imagery and synthetic figures as metaphors for human fragility, the work examines how self-imposed boundaries become both a refuge and a prison. The final image is not an escape, but a resignation—a quiet retreat into the safety of the known.

Boris Benko (1976) is a Croatian visual artist, and photographer based in Zagreb. With a strong foundation in graphic design, Boris turned to photography alongside his design career to pursue his passion for visual storytelling. His photographic work is defined by a minimalist aesthetic and a focus on conceptual and fine art imagery. Inspired by a wide range of subjects—from urban life to surreal dreamscapes—he crafts evocative narratives infused with subtle surrealist elements. Black-and-white photography is central to his practice, providing a timeless medium to explore the essence of human connection and raw emotion. Boris is captivated by themes of solitude, layered meanings, and the interplay between the physical and the intangible. His images blend emotion and narrative, inviting viewers to uncover deeper connections beyond what meets the eye.

Photo Awards:
Monochrome Awards. Fine Art. Honorable Mention (2024)