In the heart of the Balkans, nestled between picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the Malinski Photo Festival unfolded, a celebration of visual storytelling and the art of photography. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kumanovo played host to the inaugural day of this extraordinary event.
Day 1: Kumanovo [September 1, 2023]
The festival kicked off at the Artisan House, where the Global Photo Union (GPU) International Exhibition took center stage at 7:00 p.m. A mesmerizing array of photographs from talented artists around the globe adorned the walls, creating a kaleidoscope of perspectives. The diverse narratives were further brought to life at 7:30 p.m. through photographic projections featuring the works of Aleksandar Tomovski, Meri Boskoska, Dimitar Risteski, Ivan Stojanovic, Cihan Savran, Fatma Gok Salt, Nilgun Hotsaoglu, the photo group Bir Ses Ver, and Burak Şenbak.
Day 2: Kumanovo [September 2, 2023]
The second day unfolded with an exploration of the NCC Trajko Prokopiev. At 2:00 p.m., the Interclub Exhibition Circle brought together the best of photo club Kumanovo and the Janez Puhar Photo-Cinema Club. Following this, at 2:30 p.m., the spotlight shifted to the local talent with an exhibition featuring students from OOU Kocho Racin and OOU Krste Misirkov from Kumanovo.
As the day progressed, the Kumanovo Art Gallery became a haven for photography enthusiasts. Pantelis Kranos took the stage at 3:00 p.m., showcasing his distinctive perspective through the lens. Subsequently, at 3:30 p.m., the Tumba club exhibition further enriched the visual tapestry, adding a local flavor to the global amalgamation of art.
The evening was set to climax at the Photo Club Kumanovo with the solo exhibition of Neda Arsenievska at 6:00 p.m., promising a deep dive into the artist’s soul through her lens.
Day 3: Kratovo [September 3, 2023]
The festival spread its wings to Kratovo on the third day, beginning with a captivating Photo-safari at 9:00 a.m., inviting participants to capture the essence of this historic city. The exploration continued at the Museum of the City of Kratovo at 1:00 p.m., where the Club exhibition of Photo Group Art Team from Paracin unfolded, revealing the collective vision of talented photographers.
The grand finale for the day was scheduled at the Lazar Sofianov House of Culture at 1:30 p.m., where the International exhibition titled “Play” promised to be a visual symphony, transcending borders and genres.
As the shutter clicked, freezing moments in time, the Malinski Photo Festival became not just an event but a journey. A journey that traversed cultures, emotions, and stories, weaving together a tapestry of visual delight that will linger in the minds and hearts of attendees for years to come. In the heart of the Balkans, the art of photography found its stage, and through the lens of Malinski, the world saw itself anew.
