Michaela Nagyidaiová

#1 min Michaela Nagyidaiová

24. 11. 2022

Michaela Nagyidaiová, Moulding, 2021 – ongoing
Michaela Nagyidaiová, Moulding, 2021 – ongoing
#43 CollectingWantedTransformation

To “mould” is to form, shape or model a specific object. In this project, the word represents a visual investigation into the transformation of countries that were formerly part of the ‘Eastern Bloc’, which have transitioned from communism to capitalism. The work brings up neglected issues within Central Europe's contemporary society that often affect one's mental health or regular life. 

It’s an exploration of how the current political situations in Central and Eastern Europe affect individuals, topography, and ideologies – how these apparatuses "mould" the layers of everyday lives in different forms. 'Moulding' situates itself in Slovenia, drawing a line between the past, its lingering ‘Yugonostalgia’ within certain generations, yet also the present-day country and its current issues; such as the resonating environmental question from July 2021 of the referendum on the protection of natural water resources.

All images: Michaela Nagyidaiová, Moulding, 2021 – ongoing

#43 CollectingWantedTransformationPoliticalEnvironmentPhilosophySocietyMemoryCollecting

Michaela Nagyidaiová

(b. 1996) is a Slovakian photographer based in Bratislava and Wien. Her work analyses connections between landscape, memory, identity, migration, and the topographies of Central and Eastern Europe. Interested in how ideologies and political systems influence layers of personal life – and drawing inspiration from both past events and contemporary issues – Nagyidaiová works on long-term projects that combine images with text, archival material and video. She holds an MA in Photojournalism & Documentary Photography from the London College of Communication, and is a member of Women Photograph. Her Transient Ties project was exhibited at Fotograf Festival in Prague’s National Gallery, and at a series of further shows in Czechia, Slovenia and Austria. In 2021, Nagyidaiová participated in the Wolf Suschitzky Photography Prize exhibition at the Austrian Cultural Forum in London & Fotohof in Salzburg, as well as in the British Journal of Photography’s Open Walls ’21: Then and Now exhibition at Galerie Huit in Arles.

#43 Collecting

This edition departs from our series of thematic issues, as it is a celebration of the magazine’s twentieth birthday. As is usually the case with birthday celebrations (particularly such important ones), memories of the past intersect with the future. This is why this issue is dedicated to our activities and a summary of them, along with talents we believe in. In place of allotting the second part of the magazine to theory and current news, as in other issues, we decided to create a special edition on a topic that we have been discussing for years – now, the time has finally come to open it, grasp it fully, and thus change the art market in the Czech Republic. The topic at hand is collecting.

Rencontres d’Arles 2025

#6 min Markéta Kinterová

Rencontres d’Arles 2025

Fotograf zone Review

The Rencontres d’Arles Festival is the world’s oldest photography festival and probably also the most visited. As its name suggests, it is an opportunity for encounters. Alongside the official program, dozens of spontaneous events, initiatives, and exhibitions emerge, both official and unofficial, transforming the town into a vibrant cultural organism. This year, I had the opportunity to experience the Rencontres d’Arles Festival through the eyes of someone who moves between their own artistic and pedagogical practice and above all as someone who believes that photography has the power not only to depict but also to shape the social context.

Robert Gabris – Acts of Provocation and Self-Protection or the Power of Prohibition and Taboos

#2 min Laura Amann, Robert Gabris

Robert Gabris – Acts of Provocation and Self-Protection or the Power of Prohibition and Taboos

#48 About MeProfileLGBTQ+

Robert Gabris’ practice confronts viewers with a provocative exploration of domesticity, queer identity, and societal marginalisation. Keenly aware of the dangers of exoticisation and institutional exploitation, Gabris navigates the complexities of representing Roma life while paying homage to his culture, family, and their lived experiences. This strategic artistic endeavour confronts the harsh realities of systemic discrimination and neglect faced by Roma citizens, while also interrogating notions of inclusivity and identity politics as well as ways of giving back to Roma people instead of providing mere representation.

„Life passes and is mirrored in the image.“ – photographer Marie Tomanová in an open conversation

#7 min Marie Tomanová, Jan Hladonik

„Life passes and is mirrored in the image.“ – photographer Marie Tomanová in an open conversation

Fotograf zone InterviewSelfportrait

Marie Tomanová is one of the most prominent faces of the contemporary photographic scene, whose portraits explore intimacy, identity and the transformation of relationships over time. In this interview, she looks back on her exhibitions in Arles and New York, discusses her relationship with Libuše Jarcovjáková, shares her experience of making the documentary "The World Between Us", and talks about the power of mirroring that permeates her work.