IVANKA PENJAK

Hi!

My name is Ivanka, I'm a Berlin-based photographer.
Sharing my view of the world and conveying emotions is what I aim to do with my photography.
From 2011 to 2018, I studied Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. Before that, I trained as an advertising photographer at Maul and Belser Studios in Nuremberg.

My passion and primary focus is fashion photography and fine art, approaching fashion with my creative eye to create something visually new and abstract through my own artistic expression.

For my independent work I primarily use analogue small and/or medium format photography in colour. I am interested in the visual order of architecture, its symmetrical and rhythmic structures and the repetition of individual elements, which I juxtapose with the perceived chaos of nature paying particular attention to aesthetically pleasing colour combinations. For the most part, I create images of cities and sujets of nature - often excluding people, in order to create space for individual thoughts and interpretations. The work reflects our search for beauty, meaning and a deeper connection to the world around us. I believe that nature and its organic elements has a language that directly connects to our innermost feelings.

I have been involved in campaigns for Aeyde Shoes, Mister Spex, HHV Urban Fashion, Brax, Zero, Hanro, Ivy Oak and Westwing among others. I particularly enjoy working with fashion designers and collaborating as a team. My aim is to create a relaxed atmosphere and establish a personal connection with everyone involved. Thanks to my communicative and energetic nature, I can help models feel at ease and unfold their full potential.

Since 2014 I have been exhibiting my fine art photography professionally in artistic contexts such as: Blick Fang 2024 (DE), rûm magazine release for analogue photography (AT), Art Up (DE), Beyond with Ray Plus (DE), Raw Phototriennale Worpswede (together with Ostkreuz - Agentur der Fotografen, DE), Schmiede - Produzenten Festival (2023, 2022, 2018, 2016 and 2014, AT) and European Month of Photography (DE).

In 2018 I published the photo book "Der weiße Fleck/The White Spot - DDR Hohenschönhausen" in collaboration with the layout designers from ItYt at Hirnkost Verlag. I spent a year interviewing and photographing former prisoners and Stasi officers of the GDR regime. The work illustrates how closely political ideology is linked to the understanding of individual freedom.

In 2017, I also published my own magazine "ASKEW" with archive works.
In my way of working, I am authentic, direct and like to think outside the box.

For commissions or enquiries about artworks please contact
+ 49 157 30 96 81 68
info@ivankapenjak.com
ivankapenjak

EXHIBITIONS:
09 / 2024 Artist Talk	Schmiede, Produzentenfestival, Hallein, AT
07 / 2024 group exhibition	Wille Oder Wahl, Kunstquartier Bethanien Berlin, DE (C) curated by Dr. Helen Adkins
05-08 / 2024 Blickfang	Blickfang- Heimat eine Suche, Kunsthaus Kaufbeuren, DE
2023 magazine release rûm ISSUE °VI	OAG Kulturverein, Graz, AT (C)
2023 photo exhibition	Schubert for the people, Club Hybrid, Graz, AT
2023 solo photo exhibition	Its a feeling,180° Cafe, Berlin, DE
2023 group exhibition	Böse Kunst, Graz, AT
2022 videoinstallation	Sündenbock, Schmiede- Produzenten Festival, Hallein, AT
2022 group exhibition	Autopilot, Inselgalerie, Berlin, DE (C) curated by Kim Dotty Hachmann
2021 photo group exhibition	Ideologien, RAY 2021 Triennale/ Beyond, Framed Gallery, Frankfurt am Main, DE (C)
2020 photo triennale	Changing Realities, RAW Phototriennale Worpswede zusammen mit Ostkreuz Agentur der Fotografen, DE
2019 photo group exhibition	Transit, Lychen, DE
2018 videoinstallation with sculpture	Schmiede-Produzentenfestival, Hallein, AT
2018 photo group exhibition	Zwischen Kunst Nutzen, Transit, Lychen, DE
2018 photo group exhibition	Bachelor 2018/1, Galerie für Fotografie, Hannover, DE (C)
2017 videoinstallation	Ihme Visions, Hannover, DE
2016 photo exhibition	Kopfkunst, MHH, Hannover, DE
2016 photo group exhibition	Human Scale, European Month of Photography, Collegium Hungaricum Berlin, DE curated by Gábor Arion Kudász
2016 musicvideo production	Schmiede- Produzentenfestival , Hallein, AT
2014 videoinstallation	Schmiede- Produzentenfestival , Hallein, AT