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Shot in Basel, Switzerland, February 16th 2025.

K A T A R Z Y N A K A R L E N
Polish photographer, born in 1978, graduated in 2002 in Marketing Management. After more than a 12 years’ career as a creative director in Polish advertising agencies in Cracow, where she honed her skills and nurtured her love for visual arts, she made the life-changing decision to dedicate herself to professional photography. This journey led her in 2016 to Spain, where she took her first steps as a photographer, immersing herself in the craft and discovering her individual unique style. Three years later, driven by an insatiable desire for new experiences she relocated to Denmark. During her time in Copenhagen she collaborated with Danish model agencies, shot editorials and undertook commercial projects. Currently, she is based in Switzerland, working with model agencies in Zurich developing her distinct artistic visions.

Moods of Calla” is a visual ode to the duality of womanhood—where strength and softness coexist effortlessly. Inspired by the calla lily, this series explores the delicate yet structured nature of femininity. Shot on both digital and analogue, with varied lighting techniques, each frame reflects a different facet of a woman’s essence—gentle yet resilient, romantic yet unwavering. Like the calla’s graceful bloom and steadfast stem, women embody a quiet power that is both striking and timeless. Dedicated to Women’s Day, this work celebrates the beauty of contrasts that define us

Fragile Ruptures” explores the tension between constraint and liberation, fragility and resilience. The series captures moments of bodies breaking through delicate barriers—fabric-like membranes that both conceal and reveal, resist and yield. Each image embodies a metamorphic state, where form dissolves and reforms, questioning the boundaries between presence and absence, control and surrender. This visual narrative reflects the perpetual cycle of fragmentation and transformation, where destruction is not an end but a passage to something new

As cliche as it may sound, I have always been connected to art and creativity. Joining the fashion industry from the age of 16 was a major turning point for me, from when I was able to discover and explore this passion in a very special journey, as I also discovered myself and the world around me. After years, I realized that I am meant to be on both sides of the lens and chose to switch my focus. Ever since, I have immersed myself in every possible facet of the industry and finally landed on what I now know my calling is – to be inspired, create and give this inspiration back with my very own identity and vision through creative/art direction.

My art direction is a blend of timeless minimalism and bold storytelling, where fashion transcends mere clothing to become a reflection of our Zeitgeist through culture and expression. Inspired by the iconic elegance of the 80s and 90s and the raw intimacy of documentary style, I create elevated, fashion-forward visuals with unexpected, eccentric touches. Drawing from brands as Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta, Jacquemus, The Row, Coperni, Helmut Lang, Ann Demeulemeester, Maison Margiela and Lemaire, as well as creatives like Carlijn Jacobs, Nadia Lee Cohen, Ilya Lipkin and David Sims, I aim to craft narratives that explore deeper layers of society and humanity. My work seeks to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting imprint.

The one thing I make sure to live by and express in my work and creative approach is that beauty is everywhere. Noticing is becoming less and less of a standard, and I want to bring it back. The unknown excites me – observing, connecting, feeling, learning and changing is what makes life meaningful to me and is what I constantly try to showcase and encourage through my art