Our distinguished panel of judges represents the highest standards of artistic excellence. Together, they bring diverse perspectives and deep expertise to evaluate each submission with care and integrity.
Margarita Mazur is a contemporary oil painter and illustrator known for her refined visual language and focus on nature, light, and emotional depth. Working under the artistic name Marroonet, she presents her work through international exhibitions and private collections worldwide. As a jury member, Margarita brings a strong artistic perspective, evaluating works through composition, technique, and the ability to convey atmosphere and meaning through visual storytelling.
Kyrylo Filipushko is a mixologist and beverage artist whose work explores the intersection of artistic mixology, sensory composition, and live expressive presentation. Specializing in signature cocktail creation and flair performance, he approaches mixology as a creative discipline shaped by visual structure, atmosphere, movement, and ingredient expression. As a jury member, Kyrylo brings an evaluative perspective focused on originality, aesthetic coherence, sensory impact, and the ability of creative work to communicate through presentation and experiential form.
Yevhen Bushynskyi is a producer and creative director working in the live entertainment industry, specializing in the development of large-scale cultural projects and performance-based formats. His work focuses on the integration of creative direction, staging, and audience experience, where artistic concepts are translated into structured live productions. With over 20 years of experience across concert, festival, and theatrical environments, Yevhen has led the creation of original show programs and public events, combining visual storytelling, performance design, and production management. His projects reflect a strong understanding of spatial composition, timing, and audience engagement within large-scale formats. As a jury member, Yevhen brings a practice-based perspective to the evaluation of works involving performance, interdisciplinary formats, and experiential art, focusing on creative direction, conceptual clarity, execution, and the ability to translate ideas into cohesive and impactful audience experiences.
Sound Engineer, Music Producer & Live Audio Specialist
Aleksei Bondarenko is a sound engineer, music producer, and live audio specialist with more than 15 years of experience in music production and more than six years of professional experience in live and studio sound engineering. His work spans studio recording, concert sound, mixing, mastering, music production, and performance audio support. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with established artists and musicians, including Noize MC, MANIZHA, Nervi, and Anton Belyaev, contributing to both recording projects and live performance environments. His professional background includes work as a Front of House sound engineer, as well as studio engineering experience at Lukashev Studio and Zaris Studio. As a jury member of the ARTÉNO International Art Awards, he brings valuable expertise in technical execution, production quality, sound-based creative expression, and the relationship between artistic intention and audience experience.
Bella Beishembaeva is a conceptual visual artist and photographer whose work explores the relationship between visual form, perception, and emotional expression. Her practice focuses on creating concept-driven imagery that examines identity, narrative, and the psychological impact of visual language. Her work has received international recognition and has been presented in international exhibition contexts, reflecting a strong engagement with contemporary visual practice. As a jury member, Bella brings a thoughtful and analytical perspective, focusing on conceptual clarity, emotional depth, and the ability of visual work to communicate meaning through composition, color, and narrative.
Digital & Immersive Artist
Veronika Pleshkova is a digital and immersive artist working at the intersection of light, space, technology, and human emotion. Her practice focuses on immersive environments, interactive installations, spatial storytelling, light-based artistic experiences, and the use of emerging digital technologies in contemporary art. She is the creator of immersive projects including Euphoria and Palace of Impressions, and is currently developing Neonika, a flagship immersive neon experience planned to be unveiled in Los Angeles in 2026. Her work explores perception, emotional response, audience participation, human–technology relationships, and the transformation of cultural narratives through digital and interactive media. As a Jury Member of the ARTÉNO International Art Awards 2026, Pleshkova brings expertise in Digital Art, New Media & Immersive Art, Installation Art, spatial experience design, and interdisciplinary artistic practices. Her evaluation focuses on originality of concept, emotional impact, use of technology, spatial composition, audience engagement, and the ability of an artwork to create a cohesive immersive experience.
Fine Art & Conceptual Photographer
Elizaveta Moiseenko is a Russian photographer who began her professional career in 2020. She works in the fields of fine art and conceptual photography, exploring themes of memory, loneliness, transitional states, and the relationship between individuals and their surroundings. In her projects, she combines observations of everyday life with staged photography, finding emotional depth in familiar spaces, objects, and details.
Bashim Soltanov is a culinary artist and master pastry designer whose work transforms confectionery into intricate visual compositions. Known for his highly detailed sculptural cakes and refined decorative techniques, Bashim blends craftsmanship, color, and structural design to create edible works that balance artistic expression with technical precision. His creations often combine ornamental elements, architectural forms, and rich textures, resulting in visually striking pieces that elevate pastry into the realm of artistic presentation. As a jury member, Bashim brings a discerning perspective to culinary and food art, focusing on creativity, craftsmanship, structural complexity, and the ability to transform food into a compelling visual experience.
Sean Young is a creative professional working within live performance and event-based visual production, specializing in the development of immersive experiences through staging, atmosphere, and visual storytelling. His practice focuses on the integration of lighting, spatial composition, and audience interaction to create cohesive and engaging live environments. Drawing from contemporary production techniques and performance-driven formats, he explores how visual elements can enhance narrative and emotional impact within live settings. His work reflects a strong sensitivity to timing, structure, and experiential design, resulting in productions that balance technical precision with artistic expression. As a jury member, he brings a thoughtful and discerning perspective to live performance and event arts, focusing on creativity, execution, audience engagement, and the ability to deliver compelling immersive experiences.
Daud Kurtaev is an artisan craftsman and master metal engraver specializing in traditional Kubachi jewelry and weapon ornamentation. Continuing a long-standing heritage of decorative metalwork, his practice focuses on intricate engraving, ornamental detailing, and the careful shaping of precious metals into functional objects of artistic value. Through a meticulous handcraft process, Daud combines centuries-old techniques with refined contemporary aesthetics, transforming daggers, blades, jewelry, and ceremonial objects into highly detailed works of material art. As a jury member, Daud brings a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, precision, and cultural heritage, evaluating works through mastery of technique, material understanding, and the ability to elevate traditional craft through thoughtful design.
David Ambarzumjan is a contemporary visual artist whose work explores perception, materiality, and the relationship between form and space. Through a minimalist and concept-driven approach, he creates visually refined compositions that invite close observation and reflection. As a jury member, David brings a thoughtful, analytical perspective, focusing on artistic intent, conceptual clarity, and visual coherence.
Salah Touils is a contemporary visual artist whose work blends classical references with a modern, expressive visual language. His practice explores identity, symbolism, and emotional presence through bold color, texture, and painterly detail. Drawing inspiration from art history while maintaining a distinct contemporary voice, Salah creates works that feel both timeless and personal. As a jury member, he brings a strong sensitivity to technique, narrative depth, and the balance between tradition and innovation in contemporary art.
Sebastian Ciuciu is a contemporary visual artist whose work explores form, material, and emotional resonance through a minimal yet expressive visual language. His practice balances intuition and structure, creating works that invite reflection and a deeper engagement with space, texture, and atmosphere. Drawing from both conceptual thinking and hands-on experimentation, Sebastian develops a distinctive artistic voice rooted in clarity and depth. As a jury member, he brings a thoughtful and discerning perspective, focusing on conceptual strength, visual coherence, and the artist’s ability to communicate meaning beyond form.
Artem Ermochenko is a tattoo artist specializing in fine line and microrealism, known for his precise technique and minimalist visual language. His work combines delicate linework with subtle shading to create refined compositions that often draw inspiration from classical imagery, symbolism, and contemporary visual culture. Through careful attention to detail, balance, and placement, Artem transforms the human body into a canvas for elegant and thoughtfully constructed visual narratives. As a jury member, Artem brings a strong perspective on precision, artistic discipline, and composition, focusing on craftsmanship, conceptual clarity, and the ability to translate artistic ideas into technically refined tattoo work.
Elena Weiss is a contemporary visual artist whose work explores intimacy, identity, and quiet emotional states. Through a restrained visual language and careful attention to light, gesture, and composition, she creates works that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Her practice is rooted in observation and subtle narrative, inviting the viewer into moments of reflection and inner dialogue. As a jury member, Elena brings a sensitive and thoughtful perspective, focusing on authenticity, emotional depth, and the artist’s ability to communicate meaning through simplicity and form.
Barbie Fisher is a landscape artist whose work captures the atmosphere, light, and emotional depth of natural environments. Through a refined painterly approach and a nuanced color palette, she creates landscapes that feel both serene and expressive, balancing realism with artistic interpretation. Her practice emphasizes mood, texture, and a strong sense of place. As a jury member, Barbie brings a thoughtful perspective grounded in composition, color harmony, and technical execution, with a particular sensitivity to how artists translate nature into compelling visual narratives.
Every submission undergoes a thorough blind review process. Our judges evaluate works based on technical excellence, originality, concept, and emotional impact. Multiple rounds of deliberation ensure that only the most exceptional works receive recognition.
Initial Review
Shortlisting
Final Selection