Ilona Karwinska, British/Polish fine art photographer, specializes in portraiture and world cultures. Based in London, she travels throughout the Middle East, particularly The Lebanon and Syria documenting the lives and cultures of the Druze 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 communist era neon graphics) has recieved critical acclaim. Since her 'Polish Neon' photographic exhibitions in Covent Garden London, and in the iconic Palace of Culture & Science, Warsaw, her project has been credited with starting a 'neon revolution'. As a result of this unusual and pioneering project, Ilona was named one of Warsaw's top 50 creatives in 2007 by a leading publication.

Ilona is thrilled to have released her long-awaited, and first major solo photographic publication entitled 'Warszawa - Polish Neon', with the help of Gazeta Wyborcza, The City of Warsaw, Adam Mickiewicz Institute and Canon.

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

‘Warsaw - Polish Neon’ Debut Photographic Album. Foreword by David Crowley
Lee - ‘Make History’ Album

Creative Review Magazine
Icon Magazine
A4 - Eccentrics Issue
LEE Magazine
Architektura Magazine
Podroze Travel Magazine
Telegraph
Time Out
Gazeta Wyborcza
Newsweek

Selected Solo and Group Exhibitions

2009 March - Invitation for New Neon unveiling event, Plac Konstytucji, Warsaw
2008 December - Polish Neon Book Launch. Zacheta, Warsaw
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 November - PKiN -The Palace of Culture & Science, Warsaw - Polish Neon - Solo Exhibition
2007 October - Poland Street Festival. The Vinyl Factory, Soho, London - Atari Game Launch
2007 May - Capital Culture, Covent Garden, London - Polish Neon - Solo Exhibition
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