Kela: The Teachings of the Subject

A group exhibition titled Kela: Nauki teme has opened at the Small Gallery of the Bank of Slovenia in Ljubljana, marking the beginning of the theme for this year's Film Festival of Short Films (FeKK). The exhibition will run until September 3, 2026, and features works by twelve artists exploring the materiality of photographic media, light, and processes of time, decay, and transience. The opening took place on Thursday, August 13, at 7 p.m., with further guided tours scheduled for Friday, August 21, at 6 p.m., led by curator Ema Kobal and participating artists. The exhibition is produced by the Kraken Society for the Promotion of Short Film and the Small Gallery of the Bank of Slovenia. It includes photographs, videos, objects, and installations that examine how darkness functions as a space for the creation and transformation of images. Red films on the gallery windows connect to the analog photographic process and alter perceptions of the exhibited works. Artists featured include Peter Fettich, Nika Jurkovič, Maša Knapič, Hana Podvršič, Luka Prijatelj, Mojca Radkovič, Sara Rman, Urška Savič, Olja Simčič Jerele, Iva Suhadolnik Gregorin, and Vita Tušek. The exhibition sets the stage for the upcoming FeKK festival, which will take place from August 17 to 22, 2026. This year’s edition of the festival, themed Lessons of Darkness, will showcase over 151 short films from 45 countries, along with 43 projections and events. The festival will be held at multiple venues across Ljubljana, continuing its tradition of presenting contemporary short film production. The theme explores lessons revealed through cinema and the increasingly darker world around us. The festival program includes a retrospective of short films by Werner Herzog, a focus on Spanish filmmaker Galo Hernández López, guest programs from the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, thematic and archival programs, workshops, virtual reality content, musical events, and an extensive professional program. These elements aim to provide a comprehensive look at current trends and historical context within the field of short filmmaking. The Kela: Nauki teme exhibition serves as both an artistic and conceptual precursor to the festival, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the themes that will be explored throughout the event. By examining the interplay between light and darkness, the artists challenge traditional notions of visibility and perception, setting the tone for the broader discussions anticipated during the festival. The exhibition and festival are part of a larger cultural initiative aimed at fostering dialogue between visual art and cinematic storytelling. With its emphasis on the material and temporal aspects of photography, Kela: Nauki teme provides a unique perspective on the evolving relationship between image-making and narrative construction. This approach aligns with the festival’s goal of highlighting innovative approaches to short film and expanding the boundaries of the medium. The collaboration between the Kraken Society and the Small Gallery of the Bank of Slovenia underscores the growing importance of interdisciplinary projects in the arts. By bringing together diverse creative voices, the exhibition and festival aim to create a dynamic platform for experimentation and exchange. As the festival date approaches, anticipation continues to build among participants and audiences alike, eager to witness the convergence of these artistic visions.