NIKA ILIĆ

Nika Ilić, born in 1998, is a 26-year-old Croatian photographer and artist based in Zagreb, Croatia. Her work is characterized by a strong focus on contemporary art, with a specialization in black-and-white photography. Nika’s photography is distinguished by its deviation from traditional portraiture and editorial techniques, often exploring themes that challenge the norms of both fashion and visual storytelling.

Early Career and Education

Nika’s journey in photography began during her university years. Although she started college, she eventually decided to freeze her studies to fully dedicate herself to her passion for photography. This decision led her to participate in the Canon Student Development Programme in 2020, a significant milestone in her career. During this program, she was mentored by prominent photographers Jason Eskanazi and Sabiha Cymen, which allowed her to refine her skills and gain valuable insights into the world of professional photography.

Professional Work and Influence

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Nika has established herself as a leader in the commercial photography industry. She served as the Head of E-Commerce Photography for TEZENIS, a brand within the Calzedonia Group, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s visual identity across digital platforms. Her responsibilities encompassed overseeing daily worn-on-model photography for women, men, and children, ensuring that every image aligned with the brand’s aesthetic and storytelling vision. Additionally, she spearheaded still-life creative direction, collaborating closely with stylists, makeup artists, and set designers to produce visually compelling content for e-commerce and social media campaigns. Her expertise in brand visual direction contributed to the seamless integration of fashion photography with commercial strategy, solidifying her reputation as a creative force within the industry.

Notable Projects and Exhibitions

Nika Ilić's work has been recognized on both a national and international level. She has participated in four exhibitions and has received three awards, including being a finalist in the fashion category at the Sarajevo Photography Festival. One of her major projects was the "Portraits of Hvar: Exploration of Light and Shadow" series, which was a deep dive into the interplay of light and shadow in black-and-white photography. This project was developed under the mentorship of Eskanazi and Cymen and contributed to her growing reputation as a photographer who excels in capturing the nuances of light and emotion. Another significant project is her "Visions" series, which portrays female characters in a fairytale-like, nostalgic, and somewhat uncomfortable manner. This series explores the juxtaposition of modern and historical elements, often creating a narrative that feels both timeless and relevant. This work has been published in international magazines, further solidifying her status as an emerging artist with a distinct voice in photography.

Gineceye Project

One of Nika's recent works, titled "Gineceye," was featured in KALTBLUT Magazine. This project is particularly notable for its exploration of the "Gyneceum," an ancient Greek and Roman concept referring to a secluded area where women gathered to foster creativity, solidarity, and resilience away from patriarchal constraints. The project aimed to celebrate the enduring spirit of women throughout history by merging historical themes with modern fashion photography. In this project, Nika worked closely with fashion designer Nera Gržin, whose designs incorporated unconventional materials and eschewed traditional tailoring to create innovative, sculptural garments. The photography in this project emphasized textures and forms, contributing to a visual narrative that is both bold and thought-provoking.