Der Greif X MK: Explore the artists featured in the "Auf nach Woanders" exhibition

“Auf nach Woanders” opens up to worlds “elsewhere”

Monochrome documentary, brightly staged shots, imaginative and fanciful images - the photographs selected by Çağla Ilk have very different approaches. What they have in common is a singularity of vision(s) rooted in the diversity of the contexts from which they derive.

"Behind every photograph is its performative and transformative power to imagine and shape an idea 'through' the reality in front of the lens. Ideas are shaped as much by the photographers and image-makers as by us, the viewers. A generated image is even more an articulated, formed idea. The idea becomes a gesture," writes Der Greif artistic co-director Dr Caroline von Courten in the publication published by Der Greif x MK:, a carefully curated poster with a full bleed image on one side and a combination of four on the other: an invitation to travel into your imagination.

Find out more about the artists selected by Çağla Ilk

Alvin Ng is a Southeast Asian photographic artist and educator in Singapore, blending antiquity and modernity through hand-manipulated prints and mythical narratives. His imaginative, non-linear storytelling evokes intimacy and mystery, straddling the line between reality and fantasy. Ng's ethereal works resonate with ancient myths and hidden magic, inviting viewers to explore the intricate connections between humanity, nature, and the fluidity of time.

AnaHell is an interdisciplinary artist and photographer from Spain, exploring identity, anonymity, and relationships through staged photography with a documentary approach, often featuring her family. Her work has been exhibited globally, including at Photobook Cafe London (2024), Insight Photo Festival Varese (2022), and PHotoEspaña 2018. Additionally, she collaborates with Nathalie Dreier as part of the duo Red Rubber Road, creating performative works that reflect intimacy and the blurring of identities within relationships.

Anna Pentzlin has been a freelance photographer since 2014, honing her skills and developing a unique artistic vision over the years. Currently, she is pursuing her studies in art and photography at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, where she is deepening her understanding of visual storytelling and contemporary practices. Anna's work often reflects her passion for capturing the nuances of everyday life, exploring themes of identity and emotion through her lens. With a commitment to continuous growth and experimentation, she aims to create compelling images that resonate with viewers on a personal level.

Anqi Li is a photographer based in Germany, specializing in both fashion and fine art photography. Renowned for her unique style, she employs the visual language of fashion and cinematic narrative to craft sophisticated, tension-filled scenes with minimal setups. Drawing inspiration from arthouse films, literature, and painting, her work explores the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Li holds an MA in Art and Design from Auckland University of Technology and is currently pursuing another MA at HFBK Hamburg, further enhancing her artistic practice and vision.

Armin Amirian is a self-taught artist who began exploring photography and cinema in his teenage years. He views art as a universal language for expressing truth and emotion. Amirian has exhibited globally, with solo shows at Etemad Gallery ("hICEstory" 2021, "A’ar" 2018) and Janet Rady Fine Art ("Surreal Scapes" 2022). He has received numerous international awards, including the Fletcher Exhibit Award of Excellence ( 2020) and the Alpine Fellowship's Visual Art Prize (2022), highlighting his impactful contributions to contemporary art.

Berk Kır is an art historian, researcher, and artist focused on image theory, object-oriented ontology, and the dynamics of body, gender, and urban spaces. He served as Samsung Turkey's brand ambassador from 2019 to 2024 and was recognized as one of GUP Magazine's 150 emerging talents in European photography in 2021. In 2022, he received the "Young Talent of the Year" award from the Association of Photography Organizations. Currently, Kır is the photography editor at Unlimited Publications, where he continues to contribute to the field of contemporary photography and art discourse.

Camilla Gorini studied photography at the Italian Institute of Photography in Milan, graduating in 2020. The following year, she participated in the London Art Biennale, winning the photography prize and exhibiting in Rome and Paris. Her photographic research examines the nature of photography and the psychological dimensions of vision, combining contemporary compositions with alternative printing techniques, particularly the Kallitype technique. This method evokes a sense of fragility often lost in digital photography.

Chloé Milos Azzopardi is a visual artist residing near Paris. Her long-term projects blend photography, performance, and installation, creating fictional worlds that amplify strangeness and sensoriality. Her research focuses on ecology, new technologies, and post-capitalocene imaginaries. Recently awarded the "New Writings of Environmental Photography" prize at the La Gacilly Festival and the Lucie Foundation's Emerging Artist grant, Azzopardi's series "Non-Technological Devices" was exhibited at Les Rencontres d'Arles 2024 with Fisheye Gallery. Her work has been featured in publications like The New York Times and the British Journal of Photography and exhibited at various international festivals.

Christian Nicolay is a Canadian multidisciplinary artist based between Kelowna and Vancouver, BC. His diverse work employs various media and techniques, often exploring pathways that challenge traditional material practices. Nicolay's artistic strategy examines liminal spaces, questioning common perceptions of borders and boundaries in relation to process, materiality, and function. He graduated with a B.F.A. from the University of British Columbia (UBC Okanagan) and received the Helen Pitt Award in 2000. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, earning multiple awards, grants, and residencies.

Cyriaco Lopes has exhibited at prominent venues, including the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, the Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP), and El Museo del Barrio in NYC. In 2022, he held a solo exhibition at Satchel Projects in Chelsea, NYC. His work has been curated by notable critics and artists, earning awards such as the NYC World Studio Foundation Award and the Contemporary Art Museum Saint Louis Project Award. Collaborating with poet Terri Witek, Lopes has performed internationally, and he has participated in artist residencies like Skowhegan and the MacDowell Colony.

Elena Paraskeva is an international conceptual photographer, art director, and official Adobe instructor. Her work has been exhibited in Barcelona, NYC, London, and Paris, with recent success at the European Parliament in Brussels in March 2023. Her achievements include being a finalist in the Hasselblad Masters and winning first place in the 2023 International Color Awards for both Portrait and Fashion. She has received multiple awards, including the Gold Medal in Fine Art at the New York Photography Awards and the N-Photo Photographer of the Year in 2021. Additionally, she has served as a judge for various prestigious photography awards.

Ernesto Solana is a Mexico City-based artist working in photography, sculpture, and installations. His art examines the natural and artificial, promoting a multispecies perspective that underscores our interconnectedness. Recent exhibitions include “Instituto de la Neoprehistoria: Capítulo II” at Guachimontones Archaeological Site and shows at Museo de Arte Moderno and C/O Berlin. He published “Systema Artificialis,” addressing the Anthropocene's impact. Solana holds degrees in photography and conservation.

Fenqiang Liu is a fine art photographer based in Orlando. He's renowned for capturing the enchanting essence of Florida’s nature. His artistic journey began in middle school in China with drawing, later evolving into photography during college after earning a BA in Chinese literature. Liu refined his skills as a cameraman for educational videos before pursuing an MFA in Cinema and Photography at Southern Illinois University. Now focusing on nature and wildlife photography, his work uniquely expresses his thoughts and emotions through a blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences.

Grzegorz Piotrowski is a visual artist and a student of Photography at the National Film School in Łódź, Poland. He is the winner of the Scholarship of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage in Poland, as well as the first prize in the Global Photographic Portraiture Competition: “The Human Element," organized by TIME and the American Society of Media Photographers. He also won the first prize at Kolga Tbilisi Photo in Georgia and two awards at the Sarajevo Photography Festival (first and third prizes). Additionally, he is one of the winners of the seventh edition of the Feature Shoot Emerging Photography Awards in the USA.

Florian Luthi is an artist and filmmaker known for creating meticulously staged theatrical settings where peculiar and thought-provoking narratives unfold. His work is rich with references to literature and theatre, drawing from figures like Samuel Beckett and Howard Barker with his "theatre of catastrophe," as well as authors such as Michel Houellebecq and Brigitte Fontaine. His creations often carry an underlying sense of doom, where the passage of time itself feels like a harbinger of disaster. Florian earned his bachelor's degree in photography from ECAL (École Cantonale d'Art de Lausanne) and has since exhibited his work steadily across Europe.

Forrest Simmons is an artist working with photography, video, and sound. He is a faculty member at the International Center of Photography. He holds an MFA in Photography from Columbia College Chicago, where he was the recipient of a Graduate Fellowship as well as the John Mulvany and Bob Thall Scholarship in Photography. His most recent body of work, "A Lush and Ferocious Wilderness," has been featured in exhibitions in Chicago, Houston, Portland, and Charlotte. His first album of field recordings was released by the Parisian label Presque Tout in 2024.

Giacomo Tazzini was born in Massa in 2000. He graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara with top marks, with a thesis on the relationship between Absurdism and the cinema of some 20th-century authors. He wrote, produced, and directed the short film Nail Polish (2021), distributed by Premiere Film and selected in international and national independent festivals. His photos have been published by online and print magazines (Safelight Paper, Abridged Magazine) and exhibited in Paris (Galerie Joseph le Palais, in the ImageNation Paris exhibition) and Rome (10B Photography, in the collective exhibition You/Th curated by Kobo Studio). His latest short film is Dead Time, shot on super 8mm film in summer 2023 and distributed by Gioia Film.

Grzegorz Piotrowski is a Polish visual artist and photographer currently studying at the National Film School in Łódź, Poland. At just 27 years old, he has garnered significant recognition for his work, including the prestigious Scholarship of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage in Poland. Piotrowski has received multiple international accolades, such as first place in the Global Photographic Portraiture Competition "The Human Element," organized by TIME and the American Society of Media Photographers, and top prizes at Kolga Tbilisi Photo in Georgia, as well as the Sarajevo Photography Festival. His work has been exhibited globally, with showcases at venues like the Center for Contemporary Art in Toruń (Poland), ClampArt Gallery in New York (USA), CTypeMag Gallery in Bangkok (Thailand), and at the Fotofestiwal in Łódź. He was also named one of the winners of the seventh edition of the Feature Shoot Emerging Photography Awards in the USA. Piotrowski currently lives and works in Łódź, continuing to develop his craft and contribute to the international photography scene.

Hannah Woolf is a 38-year-old photographer currently based in Spain. Known for her evocative and introspective work, Woolf has exhibited widely across Europe, with solo and group exhibitions in venues such as Pati Llimona in Barcelona, La Cotonera at the Fineart Photofestival in Igualada, and Teatre Llüisos as part of the Photogenic Photofestival. Her work often explores themes of identity, memory, and the subtleties of everyday life, with a focus on still-life photography and personal narratives. With a distinctive style that blends fine art with documentary elements, Woolf's photography invites viewers to reconsider the ordinary and explore the intimate moments that shape human experience.

Igor Schiller is a Serbian artist based in Amsterdam. In 2021, he graduated from the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, with a BA in Photography. His artistic practice is based on an exploration of Balkan origins, tradition, and culture, bridging the gap between sentiment and document. Among other places, he has exhibited at the Unfair Festival, EYE Film Museum in Amsterdam, Amsterdam Art Week, and Photo Vogue Festival in Milan. He was nominated for the prestigious Paul Huf Award at the Foam Museum of Photography in Amsterdam for the year 2022.

Inna Piskun is based in the city of Dnipro. She has pursued a unique journey that blends practical skills with artistic passions. She holds two degrees: one in economic cybernetics and another in landscape design. Despite her professional background, Inna has always yearned to express herself through art. Her work reflects an authentic connection to her subjects, exploring the subtleties of human emotion and the beauty of everyday life. Photography has become a profound outlet for her, allowing her to engage in the art she has long aspired to create.

Jinchun Wei, born in Guangxi, China, is a master's student in the Photography Art Department of Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts. He uses photography and performance art as the main media of his creation, and through a personal perspective, his works present the living conditions of contemporary families, cities, and people. His work won the LensCulture Critics' Choice 2024 Award, the 5th 1839 Photography Awards Excellence Award, the 13th Art Photography Awards Finalist Award, and the 10th Academy Photography Awards Bronze Award.

Julia Walk is a Munich-based artist who completed her diploma at the Academy of Fine Arts (AdBK) in Munich in 2022, specializing in Free Art and Graphics under the mentorship of Professor Peter Kogler. Her work spans a range of media, often exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the human body. Her solo exhibitions include "Testspiel Sugar Muscles Q&A" at Space Rosastern (2022) and “Sugar Bois” at Base Art Space in Munich (2021).

Lars Borges is a photographer and author based between Brussels and Berlin. His work spans editorial, commercial, and fine art photography. With a diverse portfolio of clients and editorial contributions, his work has appeared in renowned publications such as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vogue Italy, GQ, 032c, Dazed, Esquire, Spiegel, Stern, Vice, Zeit Magazin, and many more. His projects have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions across Germany and Europe, showcasing his ability to blend storytelling with a refined visual aesthetic. In addition to his editorial work, Borges has published two books: "Imperial County" and "We Share the Meal," both available through Kehrer Verlag.

Le Quyên Nguyễn is a photographer and artist based in Berlin. Her artistic practice centers on photography, exploring themes of identity, cultural duality, and the human experience. Through a lens that bridges her Vietnamese heritage with a Western upbringing, she captures the essence of emotions, relationships, and societal challenges. The interplay between traditional and contemporary elements, often highlighted in vibrant and evocative imagery, defines her narrative. Nguyễn's work extends beyond photography, intertwining personal experiences with broader societal conversations, prompting viewers to contemplate the complexities of human connections, cultural belonging, and the evolving world around them.

Lisa Großkopf is a Viennese multidisciplinary artist who studied at the University of Art and Design Linz, the University of Applied Arts Vienna, and the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Her cross-media practice spans various forms of artistic expression, engaging with the complex macro- and microsystems that shape her roles as an artist, citizen, and consumer, among others. Known for her innovative approach, Großkopf explores diverse mediums, doing almost everything except painting. Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, gaining recognition and being featured in public and private collections. She has received numerous awards and scholarships for her thought-provoking and experimental projects. Recent solo and duo exhibitions include "Embodied Echoes" in Tokyo (2023), "Beauty Photo" in Prague (2023), and "Das Fotostudio" in Vienna (2023).

Marco Castelli is an Italian visual artist based in Bologna. His personal and documentary work is driven by a profound interest in human environments and life, blending various approaches to visual art and creative communication. Castelli's works have been awarded, published, and exhibited internationally, reflecting his unique artistic voice. In 2024, his work was featured at the Diecidecimi Festival at Spazio Linea in Biella, Italy. He has been featured in prominent publications such as LensCulture, GUP Magazine, Vogue, and WIRED.

Marvin Zilm is a professional photographer based in Zurich, Switzerland. With a focus on editorial corporate reportage, he has built a reputation for capturing compelling narratives through his lens. Since 2012, Marvin has been a member of the esteemed photography agency 13photo, where he collaborates with other talented photographers. His work reflects a deep understanding of visual storytelling, making him a sought-after professional in the industry.

Mehdi Moghimnejad is an Iranian contemporary photographer, researcher, and faculty member at Tehran University of Art (TUA). He employs a unique photomontage technique called "Verisimilitudes," characterized by hyper-realism and a deeply personal touch. His work engages in a creative dialogue with the history and culture of Iran and the broader Middle East. His latest series, "Monument[s]," aims to challenge photographic reality and has yet to be showcased in a solo exhibition. Moghimnejad's art has been featured in numerous exhibitions, and auctions, and is part of the permanent collection at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Arts.

Melanie Schoeniger is a German artist who delves into the wonder of existence, exploring themes of perception and interconnectedness while contemplating humanity's role in the universe. Through her art, she reveals the beauty of nature, aiming to inspire awe and uncover the secrets of stardust. She views her work as climate activism, contributing to a sustainable future. Longlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize 2024, her accolades include first-place awards from Julia Margaret Cameron and Pollux. Her work has been exhibited at Foto Nostrum Gallery in Barcelona and featured in various international publications.

Milena Villalón studied photography at the Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie in Berlin (Germany, 2018), focusing on documentary, journalistic, and artistic genres. Navigating between documentary and autobiographical issues, she has portrayed a lyrical world about her inner circles and the details of everyday life. Her work has been exhibited internationally, both in solo and group shows, and recognized in the form of publications and nominations such as Geo, PHotoEspaña (Descubrimientos 2020), British Journal of Photography, and Lucie Awards, among others. Oliver Kartak works as a freelance designer and artist and is Professor of Design and Narrative Media and Dean of the Institute of Design at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. He brings over 30 years of experience in brand identity, communication design, photography, and film directing. Since 2022, he has been working intensively with AI image generation models. Paul Hiller is a photographer and artist born in Görlitzand now living in Munich. He first trained as a photo lab technician and then graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. He works exclusively with analog film cameras. The technical skills involved in capturing the photochemical development process and the multifaceted art of digitization are also part of his work.

Samet Durgun asks, "What if photography is more about ‘listening'?" as a guiding principle in their storytelling, prioritizing participation over mere observation to create immersive experiences. Their work has been exhibited in various venues, including the Berlin Museum of Photography. They published a book titled *Come Get Your Honey* with Kehrer Verlag, which has been featured in media outlets such as Der Greif, HUCK, i-D Italy, GQ, LFI by Leica, and Halle4 by Deichtorhallen Hamburg. The artist studied at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul and the University of the Arts (UdK) in Berlin. As a German-Turkish-Abkhazian, they currently reside in Berlin.

Sári Zagyvai (1984, Budapest) did her research at the doctoral school of the Moholy-Nagy University of Arts, and she defended her DLA in 2022. Her artistic interest focuses on the primary capturing quality of photography, whose 21st-century legitimacy is challenged and questioned through a combination of analogue and digital techniques. Moving away from the naturalistic image and towards the abstract, she creates an almost painterly, hybrid vision. The artist is keen to venture into the borderlands of photography, boldly experimenting with fine art genres. She received the photography scholarship Pécsi József three times—in 2019, 2020, and 2021. She is working together with Viltin Art Gallery Budapest. She teaches photography at Moholy-Nagy Art University as a lecturer and at Rippl-Rónai Művészeti Intézet.

Saxon Baird is an American-born artist and writer. He holds an MFA from the Cornell University program in Image-Text. His work often explores constructs of male identity and how it relates to violence, generational trauma, class, and his own enmeshment. His works have been exhibited in New York City, Los Angeles, Italy, France, and Berlin.

Stepan Chubaev was born in St. Petersburg. His artworks were exhibited at Somerset House in London, Tertius Gallery in Amsterdam, CICA Museum in Seoul, Copenhagen Contemporary Museum, and the State Russian Museum. The author's style is recognizable for its creative yet sensitive approach to the portrayal of a challenging subject, created in bold visual language.

Sveta Kaverina is a visual artist based in Amsterdam. She explores themes of memory's unreliability, personal loss, and the complexities of national identity. Her work delves into the lack of credibility that the world often presents to individuals. She focuses on the mysterious nature of photography, transforming everyday moments into extraordinary, spiritual experiences. Utilizing long exposure and surrealism, she deconstructs common shapes and traits, particularly in portraiture. Ultimately, she seeks to redefine the role of art in helping individuals navigate their trauma-laden lives.

Tino Kukulies studied photography at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen from 2008 to 2016, under the guidance of Elisabeth Neudörfl, Gisela Bullacher, and Christopher Muller. After international experiences in New York, Mexico City, and Havana, he pursued a master's degree at the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart from 2019 to 2021, supported by a studio scholarship from the Department of Culture Stuttgart. Since 2021, Tino has realized projects with various scholarships, focusing on the interplay between photographic and filmic image processes, examining the truth conveyed in images and exploring reflective approaches to visual art.

Yolanda Y. Liou is a Taiwanese photographer and moving image maker based between London and Brighton, working with analogue film, digital, and collage. Her work focuses on connection and aims to offer a broader spectrum of representation and empower people to embrace their uniqueness. Yolanda’s work has been published in Nowness, Dazed, i-D, Creative Review, among others. Her work seeks to create a safe space for women of different body types in a world that seeks to punish them.

Zita Frohloff is a visual artist specializing in photography and installation, exploring her bicultural upbringing between Germany and Thailand. She uses the mangrove – a plant that thrives in the liminal space between land and sea—as a metaphor for navigating her transcultural identity. Through transformative mediums like wax and clay, she creates abstract artifacts embodying the fluidity of cultural identity. Frohloff attended IMAL in 2017/2018 and has studied at ECAL and Bauhaus-Universität Weimar since 2018.