Chatting with Nikka Lorak, one of the artists exhibiting in our upcoming Art Exhibition in London.
The interview
- Please could you tell us about your background and how it leads to the work you do today?
I’m a Belgian/Russian artist, who had spent her childhood in Egypt. Cultural diversity was always an essential part of my life. I’m coming from a family of a painter and a diplomat, so as a child I was influenced by both my mother’s creativity and my father’s eclectic range of interests from history to classical music.
I’ve graduated from Cambridge University and to pursue my further carrier as a film director I’ve joined Directing for Film and TV Master’s program at Westminster University.
Filmmaking background has a great influence on my work. I can certainly say that I aim for cinematic visual style where storytelling plays a huge role.
Managing a large international crew on a film set was a priceless experience too. I strongly believe that collaboration and openness to the ideas of other creative minds is the core of any successful project.
- Where are you base?
I’m London based but I travel often to NYC and LA. I also have clients in Russia,Greece, Italy and France.
- How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before?
I would say it is diverse. I always try to create different style for every new collaboration or a client. At the moment my favorite styles would be colorful visuals that embrace exotic tribal costume and totally different, grungy black and whites that route back to rebellious era of 80s-90s.
- Who else it’s behind your brand?
I’m collaborating with designers and fashion brands from all over the world. I also have a great team of very talented make up and hair artists and wardrobe stylists who bring amazing creative input into our projects.
- What or who has been the biggest singular influence on your work?
I’m eternally grateful to my mother who had introduced me to the world of creativity and arts from the very young age both by sending me to an art school and mentoring me through my whole life. In terms of acclaimed photographers, I was a huge fan of Mario Testino when I was younger. His love to life that bursts through his images and vivid colors had inspired lots of my projects. Now I’m fascinated by dreamy images of Paolo Roversi and looking up to Patrick Damarchelier for mature and elegant style.
- Which project have you enjoyed working on the most so far?
I would say the most challenging, both technically and creatively was the project I’ve shot for Guess Jeans. The brief for this project was “Sensual but not sexual” so I had decided to incorporate Italian drama, erotism and American dream in one visual concept. I was incredibly lucky to cast a genuine couple of models who are also actors. They had incredible sensual chemistry that shines through the final images.
- Where people can find more about you and your future projects
There is a handful of projects that are coming up. Apart of my traditional collaboration with Elite model management, Im working on exciting International project with rock musicians. Im a huge fan of 80s Rock Star culture that is both grungy and glamorous. Besides, its a great collaboration platform for designers and make up and hair artists to participate in.
Apart of that I have two personal exhibitions in the private members club The Library (http://www.lib-rary.com).
One is opening on the 7th of July 2016 and the theme is ‘Out of Africa’ based on my collaboration with 5 Kenyan designers. Its a fusion of modern fashion and traditional Kenyan costume and tribal accessories.
Another exhibition, also in the Library club, will be opening on the 27th of November 2016.The theme will be ‘Drugs, sex and rock roll’ and will have more edgy, rough feel to it. What could be more sexy then a rebellious though naive youth?
More of my work can be seen on my website www.nikkalorak.com.
All the photography in this article is by Nikka Lorak
Our 5th Art Exhibition will be in partnership with Lemon & FabUK Magazine
For more information: Click here