ZRNO 2025
International exhibition “SEHSCHÄRFENBESTIMMUNG/VISUAL ACUITY MEASUREMENT”
59 international authors exhibit their work at SCS Centar-Jadro, April the 8th, Skopje, Macedonia.
a cooperation with Curator Galerie Guerilla and cultural organization Verein 4K in Vienna
Author’s exhibition, Heroes after all, by Predrag Uzelac, huge digital prints of scanned wet collodion plates. Details coming soon.
International exhibtition from this year’s Zrno OPEN CALL
National Gallery of Macedonia,
Multimedia Center Mala Stanica,
27.06. 2025. 20.00h
“Chlorophyll notes” (exhibition and workshop)
Details coming soon.A workshop for creating photographs without a camera, using fresh plant leaves, with the working title ‘Chlorophyll notes ‘ and an exhibition of the same name by professor Jelena K. Vorgučin from the Novi Sad Academy of Arts.
The exhibition is set up and the workshop begins.
The workshop lasts four days and does not occur concurrently with other workshops, but rather within the period of April-May 2025, depending on the vegetation, which needs to be in a specific growth phase.
Participants apply for the workshop through an open call, and the created works are exhibited. Details coming soon, depending on the pace of plant growth this spring.
“Exhibition ‘Fading in the Landscape‘ – Sarah Sasani, Tehran, Iran, the installation consists of alternative photographs of pieces of wood, a book, and video art.”
07.06.2025, 20:00h, KIC-Skopje
AND NOW, SOMETHING YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR:
ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOPS – THE ZRNO FAMOUS SPICE IN THE WORLD OF ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY.
17-23 July 2025
THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD IN THE SAME LOCATION AS LAST YEAR, NEAR THE VILLAGE OF SMILEVO, AT THE BEAUTIFUL MONASTERY OF ST. PETER AND PAUL
(PLS USE ABOVE LINK TO FIND THE LOCATION WITH YOUR NAVIGATION SYSTEM !! )
FOR THE STATED PRICE YOU WILL RECEIVE:
FOOD, ACCOMMODATION, MATERIALS TO WORK WITH, KNOWLEDGE AND MANY CHANCES TO MEET EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE SHARING THE SAME PASSION!
TO APPLY, SIMPLY DROP US AN E-MAIL @ photofestgrain (@) gmail.com with basic info about you, your experience/photographic skill and what would you like to attend. And we continue from there via email. Let us make the most beautiful photosynthesis!
| Workshop | Tutor | Max Participants | Free Slots Left | Early Bird Price | Student Early Bird | Fee After April 25 | Student After April 25 | Skill Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wet plate collodion | Predrag Uzelac | 5 | 3 | 340€ | 290€ | 450€ | 380€ | **** |
| ADVANCED BW Photography | Ivana Tomanovic | 5 | 2 | 250€ | 210€ | 330€ | 250€ | **** |
| Polaroid creative play | Martina Pavloska | 6 | 2 | 230€ | 180€ | 310€ | 230€ | * |
| The Artist’s Toolkit: Strategies for Realizing Your Vision | Florian Kopr | 5 | 4 | 240€ | 180€ | 300€ | 230€ | * |
| Fojo printing/chemigrams | Vjeran Hrpka | 5 | NO FREE SLOTS | 190€ | 160€ | 250€ | 190€ | * |
| Gumoil and gum bichromate printing | Damian Diaconescu | 4 | 3 | 240€ | 190€ | 280€ | 230€ | *** |
| Mordancange play | Emilija Sandic | 4 | 1 | 190€ | 170€ | 240€ | 210€ | *** |
| Cyanotype and lumen playing* | Sašo Aluševski | 4 | 2 | 190€ | 160€ | 250€ | 190€ | / |
TO APPLY, SIMPLY DROP US AN E-MAIL @ photofestgrain (@) gmail.com with basic info about you, your experience/photographic skill and what would you like to attend. And we continue from there via email. Let us make the most beautiful photosynthesis!
PARTICIPATION and ADDOMODATION ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS!
The monastery has limited accommodation facilities. NO MORE BEDS AWAILABLE AT THE MONASTERY, IF YOU APPLY, BE AWARE THAT YOU WILL BE SLEEPING IN A TENT.
If you have a tent, cool, if not, please let us know and we will provide.
Last year almost all participants were accommodated, but some (3 or 4) had to sleep in a tent. Nearly all crew members slept in a tent.
The principle is, that whoever applies first, gets a bed in a double room in the monastery, so the team is not in a position to decide/discriminate participants on this matter.
If you prefer to sleep in a tent, (which is very nice) please make sure to let us know. We will provide camping gear.
Detailed info on the workshops below!
WET PLATE COLLODION WORKSHOP BY PREDRAG UZELAC
Assistant: MILE VLASHKI
Wet Plate collodion
The alchemy. The dark art. The way of the Jedi! Be careful not to fall in love with the nicest teacher!
The black art, wet-collodion process, also called collodion process, early photographic technique invented by Englishman Frederick Scott Archer in 1851.
More info HERE
YOU NEED:
Photographic knowledge is preferred. Motivation and patience.
YOU WILL GET
7 days intensive drill:
- how to safely handle the chemicals
- how to prepare the chemicals and make your own
- how to prepare the plates for shooting
- how to use large format camera
- how to expose
- how to develop
- how to varnish/protect the image
- how to present the final image
- how to cope the world after the new perspective technique will give you!
ADVANCED CLASSICAL ANALOG BW PHOTOGRAPHY and DARKROOM SKILLS
WORKSHOP BY IVANA TOMANOVIC
YOU NEED: Analog (film) camera/apparatus. Any kind. If you don’t have it, sure you can lend it. Or we can lend it to you. Some basic photographic knowledge is preferred but not decisive.
Motivation to learn is key feature.
YOU WILL GET
Seven days intensive course:
- 1 roll of 35mm film (you may bring extra!)
- all the materials to work on, (fine fancy big size photo paper!)
- how to shoot/expose film – basic knowledge
- how to handle photographic film
- how to develop black and white film
- how to make contact copies
- how to make positives on photo paper
- Advanced darkroom editing skills
Analog photography, also known as film photography, is a catch-all term for photography that uses chemical processes to capture an image, typically on paper, film or a hard plate. These analog processes were the only methods available to photographers for more than a century prior to the invention of digital photography, which uses electronic sensors to record images to digital media.
More info HERE.
Creative Polaroid play
Workshop By Martina Pavloska
You thought Polaroid photography is just for dummies? There is no creative potential in it? HOW WRONG YOU ARE!
Learn how to get crazy with chic photos and make stunning art from a polaroid-star master!Manipulations, interventions, experiments creative tactile transformations?
Each Polaroid becomes a starting point — transformed through tactile interventions, lifts, burns, and reimagining.
You need: drive to play and unleash your creative potential!
You will get:
2 packs of color and 4 packs of BW Polaroid films (you may bring extra, but mind you keep them in a cool place all the time, or you can write us so we can provide, for the regular price at the shop)
- camera to work with
- how to shoot/expose – basic knowledge
- how to handle Polaroids
- various ways to make much more of a single Polaroid image
- practical skills how to turn Polaroid into art
Gumoil and gum bichromate printing
Workshop by: Damian Diaconescu
Gumoil and gum dichromate printing process
Great advanced analogue techniques. Favoured by the Pictorialists. Pure craft skills to make high-end art, from the obscure master of many crafts in photography. Much of his magic is unknown to the rest of the world. Even meeting him is a praise. Being taught by him is a blessing!
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of gum bichromate and gumoil printing techniques, guided by a veteran alchemist. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the magic of alternative processes and create stunning, one-of-a-kind images, under the guidance of the best master you can ever imagine.
Embrace the artistry of alternative photography.
Unleash your creativity and discover the beauty of handmade photographic prints. Our expert instructor will guide you through the intricacies of gum bichromate and gumoil printing, empowering you to craft exquisite images that transcend the ordinary.
Join the ranks of photographic pioneers.
Step into the realm of historical photographic processes and become a part of a rich artistic tradition. Our workshop provides a supportive and inspiring environment for photographers of all levels to explore the art of alternative printing.
Unleash your inner alchemist and create photographic magic.
Embrace the challenge of mastering these intricate techniques and transform your photographic vision into tangible, handcrafted works of art. Join us on this transformative journey and discover the magic of alternative photography.
You need:
Basic photographic skills. Analog experience is bonus. Important. You need to send some digital photos a month in advance, so we can make negatives/positives, to work with.
You will get:
- guidance from a real master
- materials to work with
- tips and tricks for these beautiful alternative techniques so you can become true alternative photography artist
The Artist’s Toolkit: Strategies for Realizing Your Vision “From Idea to Finish” / Playing with Paper Negatives and Expired Soviet Film
Workshop By: Florian Kopr
We will explore non-technical aspects of art making, the critical intersections in an artist’s practice, communication, and public engagement. Through discussions, practice-based exercises, and diverse inputs, participants may establish strategies, and roadmaps to refine handling their future presence.
Topics*:
- Ideas—Collecting, Ethics vs. “creative theft”, Developing, and Maturing.
- Art in Progress—Documenting, Protecting, When to Finish and Handling feedback
- Communicating Your Art—Socials vs. Self-Owned, Criticism, and ideas for your Artist Profile
- Adding Value—Scarcity, Limitations, and Artistic Interpretation
- Preparing for the Public—basics, experience, cohesive artistic presence, self-protection.
*subjects change depending on the participants.
To keep the playful spirit alive, we’ll provide a variety of Large-Format Cameras and various pinholes for creative experimentation with paper negatives and expired Soviet 9×12 film.
YOU NEED: Willingness to share, discuss and adapt, Respect for each other
Optional: Pen and paper, Camera, Art supplies for creating artwork, Laptop/Tablet for sharing digital portfolios, websites, or social media content
Focusing on the Idea-to-Exhibition Journey:
- Idea to Installation: Crafting Your Exhibition Vision
- From Concept to Curate: Navigating the Exhibition Process
- The Exhibition Blueprint: Channeling Ideas into Reality
- Articulating Vision: The Journey to Exhibition
- Creative Conduit: From Idea to Public Display
Focusing on the Creative Process and Strategy:
- The Artist’s Strategy: From Inspiration to Impact
- Mapping Your Vision: A Workshop in Creative Development
- The Art of Translation: Shaping Ideas for Exhibition
- Creative Pathways: Guiding Your Artistic Process
- The Artist’s Toolkit: Strategies for Realizing Your Vision
More Abstract or Evocative:
- The Unfolding Idea: A Creative Exhibition Journey
- Echoes of Vision: The Path to Public Art
- Incubation to Illumination: The Exhibition Process
From Pixel to Print: Fojo & Chemigram Explorations
Workshop By: Vjeran Hrpka
Step into the enchanting realm where digital meets darkroom. Discover Fojo printing, nice way to enter the alternative works and a modern twist on classic techniques, using your mobile phone as a light source to craft unique, tangible images. Alongside, explore the mesmerizing world of chemigrams, where chemistry and chance collide to create abstract photographic art. Join our welcoming workshop and bridge the gap between screens and silver halide, guided by a master who celebrates the beauty of both worlds.
Mordançage play
Workshop By Emilija Sandić
This is planned into a playful manner, not much tuition, just some ways to approach this fun technique.
Transform your photographic prints into captivating, textural landscapes with the Mordancage process.
This unique technique uses chemical etching and bleaching to create surreal effects, adding depth and intrigue to your images. Experiment with chance and chemistry to witness your photographs evolve into one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Cyanotype/Lumen workshop
The light one. The PhotoSynthesis
Workshop By: Sašo Aluševski
The cyanotype/Lumen workshop is the lightest workshop this year. It is mostly for people not necessarily related deeply to (analogue)photography, but want to submerge in it or get to see what is all that fuss about. No skill is needed, you are going to play with cameraless photography and/or even use your cellphones to take photos/negatives/alternative prints. This is pure experimentation and play.
You need: motivation to dive into the world of analogue photography
You will get: the time of your life (and yes, sure, knowledge and materials to work with 🙂 )
FINALLY :
2025 will be again an Exhibition of the works created at the alternative photographic workshops in Smilevo.
The event will be presented in KIC-Skopje in August-September 2025.
Details coming soon