Dialogue under Surveillance by Noro Tappert and Robo Kočan is, above all, a meeting of two photographers who favour traditional wet processes, non-digital post-production, authorial techniques, and mutual dialogue through interventions in each other’s work. Building on Kočan’s Scarecrows, Tappert creates his own version of “crucified” female nudes in the field (Guardians, 2025) and alters its colour (Joint Guardians, 2025). He similarly intensifies Kočan’s views of Štiavnica (Postcards, 2025). At the same time, Tappert presents his own version of Recurring Stories (2025), while Kočan intervenes in his series of female figures inspired by Balthus’ paintings (Beauty Views, 2022), enriched with dense vegetation and natural framing (Once Upon a Time, 2025).

So what distinguishes the two protagonists of this exhibition dialogue? First of all, they embody contrasting temperaments: Noro is spontaneous, even animalistic – expressive, raw, and at times a decadent rebel – while Robo assumes the role of an intimate, poetic, and meditative storyteller. Noro gravitates toward eccentric and provocative figural scenes, whereas Robo creates centripetal, introspective landscapes. Each artist favours his own repertoire of authorial techniques. Moreover, while Robo presents himself exclusively as a photographer, Noro moves fluidly across media – as painter, photographer, director, and producer. Yet despite these differences, their intense dialogue not only works but continues to evolve.

Curated by b.skid