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Literary Photography: Infraza as the Fusion of Word and Image – SłowoWobraz | 1st Edition

On 10–11 May 2025, the Institute of Slavic Studies at the University of Wrocław will host the workshop component of an event aimed at students open to artistic experimentation and interested in exploring the dialogue between word and image – particularly within the context of Ukrainian themes. Participation is free of charge, but limited to 15 places. The application deadline is Monday, 28 April 2025. The project will culminate in a public presentation and exhibition opening on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.

About the workshops

The project “Fotografia literacka: Infraza jako połączenie słowa i obrazu – SłowoWobraz” (eng. “Literary photography: Infraza as the fusion of word and image – SłowoWobraz”) introduces the concept of the infraza – photography inspired by literature. Participants will create cohesive visual narratives by interpreting selected works of Ukrainian literature and transforming them into images.

The programme combines a theoretical lecture, a literary discussion, and hands-on photographic work (using smartphones). It offers an opportunity to develop both artistic skills and cultural reflection, creating space for diverse experiences and sensibilities to meet.

The programme Includes:

• Photography workshop with acclaimed Wrocław-based photographer Justyna Żądło (composition, light, visual storytelling)
• Lecture by dr Kamila Woźniak on Czech literary infrazas
• Group discussion and selection of literary texts with dr Anna Ursulenko
• Individual artistic consultations
• Final exhibition of participants’ works (June)

Who is it for?

The workshops are open to all students of the University of Wrocław, regardless of their field of study. We especially encourage those interested in Ukrainian culture and literature, with transcultural experiences or a desire to experiment with the interplay of language and image. No advanced photography skills are required – what matters most is sensitivity and a willingness to engage creatively.

What will you gain?

• A fresh perspective on literature and image as tools of expression
• Creative work experience
• Practical photography skills
• The opportunity to exhibit and present your work
• A chance to connect with like-minded individuals

How to apply

To take part, fill out the application form and write a short note about yourself and your motivation. Participants will be selected based on their submissions.

Application deadline: Monday, 28 April 2025
Successful applicants will be notified by email no later than 29 April.

Workshop Schedule

Day 1 – Saturday, 10 May
11:00–13:00 – Lecture by Dr Kamila Woźniak: On Literature in Photography. Czech Infrazas
An introduction to the concept of the infraza with examples from Czech literary photography.

13:00–14:00 – Lunch break
14:00–17:00 – Photography session led by Justyna Żądło
Basics of composition, lighting, and using the smartphone as a photographic tool.

Day 2 – Sunday, 11 May
11:00–13:00 – Literary discussion and selection of texts for photographic inspiration, led by Dr Anna Ursulenko
13:00–14:00 – Lunch break
14:00–17:00 – Photography session led by Justyna Żądło
Experiments with perspective, detail, archetypes, and symbolism.

Between Workshop and Exhibition

After the workshops, participants will have approximately three weeks to create their final photographic work – a visual interpretation of a selected literary text. During this period, individual consultations with Justyna Żądło will be available to help refine and finalise the projects.

Each participant will be required to submit their final work for printing by a specified deadline. The completed works will be presented at a public forum at the Institute of Slavic Philology, with the top three projects receiving special recognition. The entire process will conclude with the official opening of the exhibition.

Day 3 – Wednesday, 4 June

• Presentation of works at the Institute of Slavic Philology
• Recognition of the top three projects
• Opening of the exhibition of photographic interpretations of Ukrainian literary works

Light refreshments and drinks will be provided during the workshops.
Lunch breaks offer an opportunity for meals at nearby venues.

What are the photography workshops really about?

More than just learning to take photos, these workshops are an invitation to creative experimentation, where your smartphone becomes a storytelling tool. Under the guidance of Justyna Żądło – a photographer known for her keen eye and experience in theatre, literature, and documentary art – you will explore the secrets of composition, light, perspective, and visual narrative.

There will be room for intuitive play with images as well as precise technical exercises. Through practical tasks, you will learn to work with exposure settings (ISO, white balance, shutter speed), use manual smartphone features, and consciously apply framing, perspective, and scale to create meaning.

You’ll craft micro-narratives inspired by the structure of Japanese haiku, experiment with symbolism and abstraction, and uncover archetypes and their unexpected visual representations. You’ll discover how to “fit literature into a photograph” and how to read a story from a single frame.

The final result will be your own infraza – an image inspired by a chosen literary text – which will become part of the group exhibition.

For more information and the application form, please visit the link.