 Ilona Karwinska, British/Polish fine art photographer, specialises in portraiture and world cultures. Based in London, she has traveled throughout the Middle East, particularly The Lebanon and Syria documenting the lives and cultures of the Levantine people.
Ilona is a graduate of Goldsmiths College and the London College of Printing with an MA in Image and Communication.
Her most recent project ‘Polish Neon’ (which explores the disappearing world of cold era neon graphics) has recieved much critical acclaim. Since its inaugural exhibition in Covent Garden, London, her work has been shown in the iconic Palace of Culture & Science, Warsaw, the Foundation of Architecture in Luxembourg, and more recently, at the Museum of Architecture Wroclaw (which was attended by over 10,000 people as part of the European Museum Night festival). This growing public interest has meant the project has now been credited with starting a 'neon revolution' or new 'School of Neon'. As a result of this unusual and pioneering project, Ilona was named one of Warsaw's top 50 creatives by a leading publication.
Ilona released her first sell-out photographic book in December 2008 entitled 'Warszawa - Polish Neon', published by Gazeta Wyborcza and supported by The City of Warsaw, The Adam Mickiewicz Institute and Canon.
Her new book entitled - POLISH COLD WAR NEON - Design & Typography is out now ! Published by Mark Batty Publisher - New York, and distributed by Thames & Hudson.
Additionally, Ilona regularly participates in major international exhibitions and art fairs where she presents her limited edition figure and nude portraits for purchase.
Books and Publications
POLISH COLD WAR NEON - Design & Typography is out now ! Published by Mark Batty Publisher - New York. Foreword by David Crowley
‘Warsaw - Polish Neon’ Photographic Book published by Gazeta Wyborcza. Foreword by David Crowley
Lee - ‘Make History’ Photographic Book
Creative Review Magazine
Icon Magazine
A4 - Eccentrics Issue
LEE Magazine
Architektura Magazine
Podroze Travel Magazine
Telegraph
Time Out
Gazeta Wyborcza
Newsweek
Solo Exhibitions
2010 May - Muzeum of Architecture, Wroclaw Poland. Invited Exhibition - part of European Museum Nights
2009 October - Fondation de 'l' Architecture, Luxembourg by invitation of the Ambassador of Luxembourg
2009 March - Invitation for New Neon unveiling event, Plac Konstytucji, Warsaw
2008 December - Polish Neon Book Launch. Warsaw
2007 November - PKiN - The Palace of Culture & Science, Warsaw - Polish Neon - Solo Exhibition
2007 May - Capital Culture, Covent Garden, London - Polish Neon - Solo Exhibition
Group Exhibitions
2008 October/November - Affordable Art Fair. Amsterdam
2008 May - Affordable Art Fair Paris. Espace Champerret - Paris
2008 March - Affordable Art Fair London. Battersea, London
2008 March - The Northern Art Show. Harrogate, UK
2008 March - Glasgow Art Fair. Glasgow, Scotland
2007 October - Poland Street Festival. The Vinyl Factory, Soho, London - Atari Game Launch
2007 Annual - Group Exhibitions at Capital Culture, Covent Garden, London
2007 March - Affordable Art Fair London. Battersea, London
2006 Annual - Group Exhibitions at Capital Culture, Covent Garden, London
International Publications and Awards
2009 February - LEE Make History - selected from 16,000 international entries
2008 February - A4 Magazine. Artist Profile 'Eccentrics' Edition
2008 January - Awarded 'Top 50 Creatives in Warsaw' Edition. Zycie Warszawy Newspaper
2008 January - LOT - Kaleidoscope Magazine. 'Neon Lady' artist and project profile
2007 September - Creative Review Magazine. Feature Article 'Polish Neon'
2007 August - Lee Magazine 'Light of Neons'
2006 - Guardian / Penguin Book Cover Competition - First Runner Up
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