The Czech Center in Belgrade is set to host an intriguing exhibition titled “Pikseli i poetika,” which will explore the intersection of traditional photography and artificial intelligence. Running from September 4 to October 6, the exhibition features the works of renowned photographers Jozef Sudek and Jaromir Funke, alongside contemporary artists who incorporate artificial intelligence into their creations. This event aims to demonstrate that the manipulation of reality through photography is not a novel concept of the digital age but has been a foundational aspect of the art form since its inception.
Jozef Sudek, known for his ability to transform ordinary objects into magical scenes through techniques like photographing through fogged glass and playing with reflections and light, is a central figure in this exhibition. Similarly, Jaromir Funke’s work, which meticulously composes images using objects, their shadows, and reflections, challenges viewers to reconsider the familiar world from new perspectives. The exhibition places these historical works in dialogue with modern pieces created using digital technologies and artificial intelligence, raising questions about the boundaries between reality and its representation.
Lucie Orbok, the director of the Czech Center in Belgrade, emphasized the exhibition’s objective to highlight the longstanding tradition of photographers altering and stylizing reality. “Often, we have the impression that artificial intelligence has brought something entirely new to photography. However, the history of photography shows that photographers have been changing, stylizing, and reshaping reality from the very beginning. This is precisely what we want to showcase with this exhibition,” she stated.
Accompanying the exhibition is a concert by Jirži Trtik and the STRO.MY Ensemble, a Czech-Serbian group that fuses classical instruments with electronic and contemporary sounds. Scheduled for September 4, the concert will feature a musical cycle composed by Trtik, inspired by the exhibition, along with a new version of Smetana’s “Vltava” and two additional compositions. Tickets are available through the Gigstix network.
In an effort to engage younger audiences and extend the exhibition’s reach beyond the gallery, an open call has been announced for young photographers aged 12 to 30. Participants are invited to photograph ordinary objects in ways that reveal their extraordinary aspects. The theme of the competition is still life, allowing for inspiration from Sudek’s and Funke’s techniques or a completely personal approach. Both analog and digital photographs are accepted, including those created or processed using artificial intelligence. A jury will select ten photographs from each of the two age categories (12–18 and 19–30 years) to be featured in a supplementary exhibition, with results announced at the exhibition’s closing on October 6.
The exhibition will be held at the gallery of the Czech Center, located at Svetozara Markovića 79. It will be open to the public on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 4 to 8 p.m., with free admission. Schools can arrange guided morning tours by appointment.
While the exhibition promises a rich exploration of photography’s evolution and its contemporary implications, there are concerns about its potential reception. The public interest in the event is reportedly low, which could affect attendance and engagement with both the exhibition and the accompanying concert. Additionally, the success of the open call for young photographers remains uncertain, as it seeks to attract a diverse group of participants and foster new interpretations of the art form.
“Pikseli i poetika” offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the enduring relationship between technology and art, challenging viewers to contemplate where reality ends and its image begins. Through its blend of historical and modern perspectives, the exhibition underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of photography as a medium.
