Julian Wolkenstein

In Western culture, household pets are frequently given human characteristics. We see them as individuals with their own unique personalities, like friends or family members. In his series Pony Pin Ups, Australian photographer Julian Wolkenstein shines a playful, satirical light on this phenomenon. These extraordinary portraits are both amazing and amusing.

Wolkenstein is drawn to distinctive, almost absurd subjects. From fake beards made out of textiles to a humanoid robot to perfectly symmetrical human faces created with an app designed for exactly that purpose, the photographer’s imagination appears to know no bounds. His horse portraits were the result of a spontaneous strike of inspiration, but taking them required considerable effort. Animals, as we know, have minds of their own. With the help of a stylist and a team of technical personnel, he succeeded in capturing these animals’ remarkable hairstyles. They spent hours laboriously styling the animals’ manes – and the results speak for themselves.

With the subjects presented in classical portraits, head-on or in three quarter view, the images are reminiscent of the paintings of the old masters. The muted colour background accentuates their impact. What emerges are surreal, comedic compositions with humorous subject matter that contrasts with the traditional, serious settings. These noble horses do, after all, have personality and style!

Daniela Kummle

Education:
2014 - 2018 MArt, UNSW Art & Design
1992 - 1996 Diploma in Photography, Sydney Institute of Technology


Group Exhibitions:
2017 Like a Horse, Fotografska, Stockholm, Offsite, Gaffa Gallery, Sydney.
2016 “21/06/16” An Exhibition of Time, UNSW AD Space, Sydney.
Here and Now, StirRup Gallery, Sydney.
“More Human Than Human”, Art & About, NSW.
2015 Mug Shot, Gallery Ecosse, Exeter, NSW
2014 Beams Festival, Sydney
2013 Auto Portrait, Gallery Ecosse, Exeter, NSW
Head On Momento Photobook Exhibition, State Library of NSW, Sydney
Laugh Out Loud, LaTrobe Regional Gallery, Victoria
2012 The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize, Sydney
The Kodak Salon Prize, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne
1 : 2 : 1 and Other Inquiries Into Identity, Dancemakers Centre for Creation, Toronto
2011 Changing Lanes Photographic Exhibition, Laneways Festival, Sydney
2010 Association of Photographers Annual Exhibition, The AOP Gallery, London
MTV Exit Foundation Exhibition, Mills Gallery, Sydney
2009 Domestic Animal, Webb Gallery, Texas
2007 Biennale des Agents Associés Exhibition, Paris
2006 Association of Photographers Annual Exhibition, The AOP Gallery, London
2005 Association of Photographers Annual Exhibition, The AOP Gallery, London
2003 “Everybody”, First Draft Gallery, Sydney “Fluff”, Wren Gallery, Sydney.

Recognition:

2013 Head On Momento Photobook Awards, Finalist
2012 The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize, Highly Commended
The Kodak Professional Excellence in Photomedia Prize at Centre for Contemporary Photography, Overall Winner
International Photography Awards, Deeper Perspective, Honourable Mention
2010 Association of Photographers U.K. Photographers Awards, Creative Review Magazine U.K. 2010 Photography Annual
2008 Communication Arts Magazine 49th Photography Annual
2007 Communication Arts Magazine 48th Photography Annual Association of Photographers U.K. Photographers Awards Bronze
2005 Communication Arts Magazine, Interactive Award

Group Exhibitions

2017	Like a Horse, Fotografska, Stockholm, Sweden
	Offsite,, Gaffa Gallery, Sydney, Australia
2016	“21/06/16” An Exhibition of Time, UNSW AD Space, Sydney
	Here and Now, StirRup Gallery, Sydney, Australia
	More Human Than Human, Art & About, NSW, Australia
2015	Mug Shot, Gallery Ecosse, Exeter, NSW, Australia
2014	Beams Festival, Sydney, Australia
2013	Auto Portrait, Gallery Ecosse, Exeter, NSW, Australia
	Head On Momento Photobook Exhibition, State Library of NSW, Sydney, Australia
	Laugh Out Loud, LaTrobe Regional Gallery, Victoria, Australia
2012	The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize, Sydney, Australia
	The Kodak Salon Prize, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne, Australia
	1 : 2 : 1 and Other Inquiries Into Identity, Dancemakers Centre for Creation, Toronto, Canada
2011	Changing Lanes Photographic Exhibition, Laneways Festival, Sydney, Australia
2010	Association of Photographers Annual Exhibition, The AOP Gallery, London, UK
	MTV Exit Foundation Exhibition, Mills Gallery, Sydney, Australia
2009	Domestic Animal, Webb Gallery, Texas, USA
2007	Biennale des Agents Associés Exhibition, Paris, France
2006	Association of Photographers Annual Exhibition, The AOP Gallery, London, UK
2005	Association of Photographers Annual Exhibition, The AOP Gallery, London, UK
2003	Everybody, First Draft Gallery, Sydney, Australia
	Fluff, Wren Gallery, Sydney, Australia