WBF, Generation Next - A Phenomenal Success

We are delighted to share the extraordinary success of the "WBF – Generation Next" festival, a vibrant celebration of artistic innovation and creativity in the world of bodypainting. This year, we marked the 26th edition of the festival, and it was held in an indoor venue, bringing immense joy to all participants, including photographers, models, and artists. The indoor setting provided a reliable and controlled environment, ensuring that everyone could fully immerse themselves in the competition, photo sessions, and stage presentations, free from the uncertainties of weather and lighting conditions.

The "WBF – Generation Next" took place in Klagenfurt, South Austria, uniting the global bodypainting community to showcase their unique art and compete for the prestigious World Award trophy. It was an honour to welcome talented artists from 42 countries.

This year, the festival also transcended geographical boundaries, as we expanded our reach through live streaming. This allowed a global audience to experience the captivating magic of bodypainting from anywhere in the world.

The WBF Online Awards recognized the remarkable work of participants who joined the competition from their homes and studios around the world, underlining the truly international spirit of the event.

Without further ado, we proudly present the top three winners in the WBF Online Awards:

Online Award: Brush/Sponge Category (Presented by Senjo Color):

1st Place: Serena Dalla Torre (Italy)

2nd Place: Ana Maria Castelan (Mexico)

3rd Place: Luis Diego Mendez (Costa Rica)

WBF Online Award: Open Category (Presented by WB Production):

1st Place: Efi Tsimpi (Greece)

2nd Place: Irene Sanchez Galdon

3rd Place: Edith Villanueva Diaz (Mexico)

AND HERE WE GO WITH THE NEW WORLD CHAMPIONS

 

The festival also shone a spotlight on artistic development and education through the WB Academy program. Participants had the opportunity to learn from top instructors in various categories, including makeup, camouflage, realistic skulls, and bodypainting for both advanced artists in classical techniques and beginners using airbrush tools.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors for their unwavering support: Kryolan Professional, XJC Galaxy, Carnaval Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Skindex, and Senjo Color. We also want to acknowledge the contributions of Tourism Klagenfurt, STW, and the cultural department of the city of Klagenfurt, whose continued support played a pivotal role in making this festival a resounding success.

The crowning moment of the event was the announcement of the WBF Champions for 2023, representing Italy, Mexico, Finland, Ukraine, and Poland. Their exceptional artistry and dedication truly set them apart.

You can find detailed results for all 11 categories on the official WBF website: WBF Official Website.

To relive the magic and be captivated by the stunning creations, we invite you to explore our WBF Gallery, where photos from all festival days are available: WBF Gallery

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey, and we look forward to continued support and inspiration in the world of bodypainting.