The article is related to the photography exhibition ”Parallel Worlds”, which was displayed from November 3, 2020 – November 30, 2020, in the Mergentaler Street Gallery of the Layer House and the TAM-TAM Institute. interview by: Lucija Klauž Can you comment on the title “Parallel Worlds” and “Melting Paradise“? How do these two series connect if they do? The title ”Parallel Worlds” derives from the idea of ​​alternate reality or the existence of parallel worlds. The hypothesis says that with every groundbreaking decision, an alternative reality emerges, where a different reality occurs in parallel with our reality. With such an idea, we begin to wonder what it would be if … I began to think about the question of what the world would be like today if humanity did not interfere with nature. I answer this question visually. I create a world that mirrors ours but in an alternative reality. The title Melting Paradise stems from environmental issues. Paradise is a metaphor for our planet, which is slowly “melting” due to the constant rise in the average temperature of the atmosphere and oceans. Planet earth was a paradise and a source of life before human intervention. This Paradise has begun to be destroyed by man, and it is a matter of time before he will destroy it to the end. I depict ”Melting Paradise” through analog photographs of landscapes that I chemically and thermally process to make the surface of the emulsion begin to melt. Thus, in a way, I symbolically destroy the earth (which are photographs of landscapes), just as man destroys nature. These two projects are interconnected by theme and are mirrored in a way. One depicts one reality and the other another. The” Melting Paradise” series depicts the consequences of human encroachment on nature, while the ”Parallel Worlds” series depicts an alternative reality where a man does not encroach on the environment. How does ”Melting Paradise” predict the theme of global warming? Can it be interpreted as a feeling of disillusionment of reality in man’s relationship to the environment? That’s right. Most do not seem to be aware of the seriousness of global warming and environmental issues in general. Most seem to close their eyes and make fun of the people we care about. For many, the most important thing is that they will live comfortably throughout their lives, and many are not ready to change anything that could positively affect the environment’s future. Otherwise, the biggest culprits for global warming are industries burning fossil fuels and cutting down rainforests and livestock. Nevertheless, each individual can increase or decrease additional environmental pollution through their actions. How do the medium of analog film and your processing of it tell the story of global warming? What process do you use to destroy these photographs? The medium of the analog film plays its role much better than digital photography in telling the story of global warming. Analog film is the physical form of photography, while digital photography is merely a virtual image representation. The film can thus be physically manipulated, which gives completely different results. I “destroy” the film with various procedures, such as “boiling” in hot water, exposing the film to high temperatures in the oven, soaking the film in different liquid substances… When I was still at the academy, I had the opportunity to use a darkroom, where I also experimented with developing color positives. From “destroyed” films, I developed and enlarged photographs on photographic paper, which I further “destroyed” by adding a fixer and developer at the wrong moments and not in the right quantities. Why did you decide to show idyllic images in your own way, given that you are highlighting the issue of global warming in a photography exhibition? I show idyllic and heavenly images because I show a parallel world or an alternative reality where human does not interfere with the environment. I depict what the world could be like if humanity would respect nature. It seems essential that we talk about climate in a language that is not always gloomy and destructive. I think it’s crucial that we create things that have a positive narrative. Positive visual communication is more encouraging and can act as a focal point and inspire hope for a better tomorrow. I love the statement by the German painter Gerhard Richter: “Art is the highest form of hope.” Do you think this photography exhibition has an activist effect? Why? This project has an activist effect as the viewer delves into it. Each individual interprets visual art in their own way. Indeed, the series is not activist at first glance. We need to look longer and deeper to accept the message. Direct activism seems too intrusive to me. I prefer more subtle persuasion. How does the analog photography technique justify your “think more, shoot less” principle? Even with the decision to pick up an analog camera and film, we accept that we would have to think much more about each subject before taking the photo. The photographic film roll has only 24 or 36 shots, 120 medium format film even less! A memory card with 64 GB and more can be inserted into the digital camera, which is enough for thousands of shots. The technique of analog photography forces us to calm down, think and pay more attention to the choice of subject, framing, and settings. When I go on a photo expedition with an analog camera, I come back with fewer shots but with much better photographs than when I take photos digitally. What do you think is different about exhibiting in a public space compared to showing in a gallery? When exhibiting in a public space, you reach many more types of people than when displaying in a gallery. Some people never step into a gallery. They are simply not interested in it or feel they don’t belong there. Art in public space appeals to all by-passers, not only cultural enthusiasts but also salesmen, farmers, businessmen, chefs… This ...