THE LIGHT KEEPERS
People of Zrno, precious ones who planted in the garden of Sharing Passion and Knowledge
At Zrno, we're fortunate to work with a diverse group of internationally experienced mentors who bring their expertise, creativity, and passion to our workshops. Each one contributes to the rich tapestry of alternative photographic processes that define our festival.
People who unselfishly shared their passion and knowledge at Zrno:
Ivana Brezovac – Analog Photography, Advanced Classical Analog BW Photography and Darkroom Skills, with us from the beginnings, our great supporter. Ivana explores the artistry of black-and-white film through advanced analog techniques. A deep dive into classical processes and refined darkroom skills, guided by one of the region's leading photographic voices.
Predrag Uzelac – Wet Plate Collodion
Assistant: Mile Vlashki
Predrag Uzelac leads participants through the intricate and mesmerizing process of wet plate collodion photography, , with us from the beginnings, our great pillar and supporter.
Martina Pavloska – Polaroid, Creative Polaroid Play, Polaroid Lift Workshop
Martina invites you into the dreamy world of instant photography—lifting, layering, and experimenting beyond the frame. A playful journey where mistakes become magic.
Miša Keskenović – New Cyanotype, BW dry glass gelatine plate (film negative)
An innovative take on the classic cyanotype process, pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities.
Damian Diaconescu – Cyanotype, Van Dyke & Gumotype, Gumoil & Gum Bichromate Printing
Assistant: András Sógor
Explore the painterly side of photography through these historic, hands-on printing techniques. Layers, texture, and pure analog magic await.
Vjeran Hrpka – Foјо/Chemigram Explorations
Step into the enchanting realm where digital meets darkroom. A playful fusion of techniques where pixels, paper, and chemistry collide to create the unexpected.
Stig Marlon Weston - Eco Lumen Print, a sustainable approach to lumen printing, using it almost as a CSI tool to blend environmental consciousness with photographic artistry.
Emilija Sandić - Mordançage, Analog Experiments, classic analog workshop assistant. A hands-on dive into the expressive world of image decay and transformation. Embrace the unexpected and let the chemistry lead the way.
Michael Laubsch – Liquid Emulsion
Michael guides participants through the versatile and expressive world of liquid emulsion printing.
Florian Kopr – Strategies for Developing an Artistic Vision, Pinhole Photography, Paper Negatives
From concept to creation, explore alternative processes and forgotten materials to shape your photographic voice. Expect the unexpected.
Stefan Stefanovski – Sandwich Print, Analog Experiments
Stefan explores experimental analog techniques, encouraging creative play and unexpected results.
Keti Talevska Bakrevska – Lumen Prints enthusiast
A pioneer in exploring light-sensitive processes, Keti guides participants through the gentle art of lumen printing. Video shooter/editor @Zrno first editions.
Sašo Aluševski – Mordançage, Wet Plate, Creativity Workshop, Cyanotype/Lumen Print
A sun-powered adventure into the world of prints made with light, leaves, and magic. Gentle, slow, and full of wonders.
Marius Parghel – Polaroid Lift Workshop
A hands-on exploration of Polaroid manipulation techniques.
Buğra Kibiroglu – Pinhole Photography, Paper Negatives
An introduction to the fundamentals of pinhole photography and working with paper negatives.
Dejan Kalezić – Camera Obscura
A journey into the origins of photography through the magic of the camera obscura.
Viktorija Mačkovska – Cyanotype
Passionate amateur in the beautiful blue world of cyanotype printing.
Miloš Zvicer – Wet Plate Collodion
An experienced practitioner of the wet plate collodion process.
Sonja Dimovska – Cyanotype / Lumen Print (assistant)
A printmaker with a BFA and MFA from the Academy of Fine Arts in Skopje. Sonja has had 14 solo exhibitions, won numerous awards, and participated in over 90 international printmaking exhibitions and workshops. She has organized the "International Ex Libris Exhibition Skopje" since 2012.
The Zrno Curatorial Framework
While the creativity of artists knows no bounds, we inevitably encounter the practical limitations of space and budget. That's why we place our trust in the proven Zrno Curatorial Team and its international partners—a diverse collective of voices that helps us navigate these constraints while honoring the breadth and depth of contemporary analog practice.
A prime example of this collaborative approach is the Zrno Festival's annual international open call exhibition, which showcases original, one-of-a-kind photographic works created using analog or alternative photographic techniques. Each year, we receive more than 150 applications from artists around the world, from which approximately 20 works are selected by an international jury. This process ensures that the exhibition reflects not only technical excellence but also a wide range of perspectives, aesthetics, and creative philosophies.
Here are the jurors and curators who form an honored part of the yearly Zrno Festival Spice Mix:
Natalia KopkinaFrom the land of the Northern Lights, Finland. Part of the Finnish Darkroom team, she watches the world from above with a unique Nordic perspective.
Ivana Brezovac Zrno supporter from the beginning. Professor of photography at the Academy of Arts, University of Novi Sad, Serbia. Regional photography guru and a guiding force in our black-and-white photography workshops.
Vjeran HrpkaCinematographer, alternative photographer, and artistic associate at the Academy of Arts in Osijek, Croatia. He has initiated countless young students into the magic of analog. A dear friend of Zrno.
JanaHunterovaCzech documentary photographer exploring the intersection of humanity and the environment. Her work captures everyday lives, relationships with nature, and social and environmental issues. Recognized internationally through exhibitions, festivals, and awards. Also dedicated to education and curatorial work.
Jelena Kovačević VorgučinVisual artist and photographer with a doctorate in fine arts. Her work focuses on human relationships and family dynamics. She teaches at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad.
Justin QuinnellConsidered a world expert in pinhole photography and camera obscuras, which he has taught for over 28 years throughout the world. He lectures part-time at Falmouth University. His work includes 'Mouthpiece,' 'Slow Light,' and 'Awfullogrammes.' Pinhole photography consultant for the film 'The Brothers Bloom.' One of the directors of the Real Photography Company.
María Luisa Santos CuéllarAlternative photographer from Mexico, offering a counterpoint to the cold north. Her works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries.
Damian DiaconescuRomanian photographic artist and cultural steward whose heart resonates deeply with the spirit of Macedonia. A photo alchemist delving into the secrets of the argentic process, his work evokes timelessness and wonder. He nurtures the photographic arts through his role at the Iris Photo Club in Timișoara.
Enrique FreazaSelf-taught photographer and filmmaker. Member of the team behind the analogueNOW! festival in Berlin, where he's been involved in the curatorial team since 2019.
Michael LaubschParticipant at Zrno 2023 and board member of Rotlicht Festival, Vienna.
Sonja DimovskaMacedonian printmaker with a BFA and MFA from the Academy of Fine Arts in Skopje. She has had 14 solo exhibitions, won numerous awards, and participated in over 90 international printmaking exhibitions. Organizer of the "International Ex Libris Exhibition Skopje" since 2012.
Sašo AluševskiZrno representative in the jury. Pioneer of the Macedonian alternative photography scene.
Beside the fact that we always combine our jury carefully balanced by many criteria, we always tend to promote young emerging artists and in return get their unique perspective. The youth section of the jury throughout the years were:
Mirjana VrdoljakVisual artist with experience in costume design, fashion styling, and gallery coordination. Actively involved in the Virtual Gallery of Academies (VGA) and the NYLONKE art collective. She brings the view of a young, modern, and rebellious artist—a perspective we deeply value.
Tijana BorbeljWe care deeply about the perspective of younger generations and love to boost new talents. Tijana studies photography at the Academy of Arts, University of Novi Sad, Serbia. Last year's participant in the wet plate voyage at Zrno.
Sule Gizem TonbakFilmmaker and alternative photographer based in Istanbul, Turkey. She believes that analog techniques such as cyanotype, cyanolumen, and anthotype offer freedom of creativity through unexpected moments. Part of last year's selected authors.
Postgraduate of the Academy of Arts (photography) in Novi Sad
Together, this international collective ensures that Zrno's curatorial vision remains open, diverse, and deeply rooted in the spirit of analog experimentation.