OFF Bratislava 2024

The 15th edition of the festival, under the title Persona Incognita, delves into the complexity of veiled identities and hidden characters.

Overview

The 15th OFF Bratislava is a platform for fresh talents from the photography scene. During its 14-year history, the aim of the event has been to create conditions for the promotion and support of emerging artists working in the field of photography and new media.

In 2024, the festival theme resonates with themes of cognition and self-discovery; shedding light on humanity's long-standing desire to hold a mirror to their own egos in order to conceal their true identities. Masks, crafted by human hands, serve as a tool for delving into the mysteries of existence, allowing people to reimagine and challenge the very essence of who they are and the principles that define their lives. The concept of the mask transcends cultural and temporal boundaries; it serves not only as a means to reconnect with ancient myths but also as a significant tool for individuals to explore and confront their own identities and ancestral ties. This idea aligns with broader concepts of kinship and multispecies ethnography, where identity is shaped not just by personal experiences but also by our relationship with the world around us, including both human and non-human elements.

An integral part of the festival this year will be again the OFF Academy section, featuring exhibitions of universities, and other educational institutions; the OFF Libris section, presenting self-published photobooks; and the OFF Satellite section, including exhibitions organized by external galleries. Discussions and international cultural exchanges will be encouraged by individual lectures, workshops and roundtables.