September 13 – October 12, 2025, Kolarac Art Gallery
The third edition of the Biennale of Fantasy, taking place from September 13 to October 12, 2025, at the Kolarac Endowment Art Gallery in Belgrade, and later at the Valjevo Modern Gallery from December 6 through the end of January 2026, will feature renowned artists Lukáš Kándl and Sinisha Kashawelski.
Among the 33 works to be presented during this unique art festival are pieces by these acclaimed artists, both of whom are celebrated for their contributions to fantasy art and magical realism.
Lukáš Kándl, a Czech painter of magical realism, is the founder of the international group Libellule, which exhibits annually at the Grand Palais in Paris. After completing his studies at the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague, he earned a Master’s degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in 1969. He further refined his craft in France and the Netherlands, learning alongside world-renowned artists. Today, he lives and works in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. His works are held in private collections of fantasy art enthusiasts worldwide.
Sinisha Kashawelski, a Macedonian painter, is considered one of the world’s leading realists. He has exhibited in some of the most prestigious galleries across the globe and, as he says himself, “there is no country where I haven’t held an exhibition or had a work displayed.” Winner of numerous international competitions, his accolades include the Marchioni Prize in Sardinia (Italy), the Grand Prix at Art Expo Venice, and the Jumbish World Art Competition in India, where he was awarded for his painting Fateful Time, later also recognized in Rome and the United States. His art is rooted in surrealism and infused with motifs drawn from Macedonia’s rich cultural tradition. “My works merge the techniques of old masters with surrealist elements, structured around our past, present, and future,” Kashawelski has said.
The Biennale of Fantasy will officially open on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in the newly renovated Kolarac Gallery space on Studentski Trg, spanning two levels. At the opening ceremony, the Grand Prize of the Biennale will be awarded to the best artist of this year’s edition. A Biennale of Fantasy catalog will also be presented.
The Lifetime Achievement Award of this edition has already been given to Danica Masniković, a painter whose works enrich museum, gallery, and private collections across the region.
About the Biennale of Fantasy
The Biennale of Fantasy is an artistic manifestation that brings together and supports artists dedicated to fantasy in their creative expression.
Since 2021, the event has been organized by the Mihalović – Phoenix Foundation, which is committed to developing fantasy and figuration within traditional painting—an artistic expression evolving independently of contemporary technological innovations.
The first and second Biennales, held in 2021 and 2023 in Belgrade (Kolarac Endowment Art Gallery) and Valjevo Modern Gallery, gave contemporary artists the opportunity to showcase works in the realms of the surreal, magical, symbolic, and metaphysical. In doing so, they laid the foundation for an exhibiting tradition where fantasy holds a central place in contemporary Serbian art.
- 1st Biennale of Fantasy (2021) emphasized the authenticity of expression, with artists presenting works reflecting their inner worlds, dreams, and visions.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Ljubodrag Janković Jale, painter and professor, for outstanding contribution to art and pedagogy
- Grand Prix: Prof. Željko Đurović for Golden-Winged
- “Perspectives” Award for Best Young Artist: Veljko Valjarević for The Fall
- Acquisition Awards: Jasna Opavski and Đorđe Savić
- The 2nd Biennale of Fantasy (2023) further strengthened the position of fantasy within contemporary art.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mihailo Đoković Tikalo, whose work left a profound mark on the visual arts (accepted by his daughter, artist Tijana Đoković)
- “Perspectives” Award: Marijana Rakićević, best young creator
- Grand Prix: Sergej Aparin
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featured image: Budimir Dimitrijevic
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