Martin Stranka

Martin Stranka Head Shot BW

Photographer

Martin Stranka (1984) is a recognized figure in contemporary fine art photography, globally renowned for the emotional depth and aesthetic sophistication that define his work. His images possess a dreamlike quality, rich with symbolism, infused with a quiet introspection that explores the tenuous boundaries between reality and the imagination. Stranka’s journey into photography was born from personal tragedy; while a business student, the sudden loss of a close friend led him to seek solace in the visual arts. What began as a therapeutic hobby soon evolved into a professional pursuit, establishing his distinctive style—one that captures the fleeting moments between dreams and awakenings, embodying a delicate balance of serenity and complexity.
His work is often likened to cinematic stills that dwell in the space between fantasy and reality, offering viewers glimpses of incomplete narratives. “In these deliberately unfinished visual stories,” Stranka explains, “I search for the boundary between aesthetic allure and the drama of the moment.”

Martin Stranka Sample 1

Martin Stranka, Beautiful Accidents exhibition 2023, Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum

Stranka’s photographs have been exhibited and auctioned by some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including Christie’s in London and Amsterdam. His solo and group exhibitions have spanned continents, reaching audiences in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Cities such as New York, Basel, Tokyo, London, Miami, Paris, Prague, Hong Kong, and Kiev have all hosted his work. Notable venues include Christie’s London (UK), Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum (SK), Mánes Exhibition Hall (CZ), Saatchi Gallery (US), and SNAP! Orlando (US), among others.

Over the course of his career, Stranka has garnered over 80 major international awards, affirming his status as a leading voice in fine art photography. Highlights include his recognition as Special Photographer of the Year at the International Photography Awards™ in New York, held at Carnegie Hall in 2022. Additionally, his other distinctions include 1st place in the Sony World Photography Awards (Open Creative category, 2018 and 2019) and the coveted title of Photographer of the Year at the Annual Photography Awards in 2021.

Until You Wake Up, 2017, I Found The Silence series, Martin Stranka

His ethereal, transportive works have caught the attention of cultural institutions and publishers alike. Stranka has been commissioned by organizations such as the National Theatre in Prague and the Czech National Ballet. His photographs have also graced the covers of numerous mystery and thriller novels for major New York publishers including HarperCollins, Sterling Publishing, and Penguin Random House, with his collaborations extending beyond the literary world, encompassing projects with music publishers and artists worldwide.

For Xposure 2025, Stranka will present 13 of the most sought-after pieces from his acclaimed series, I Found The Silence. This series, a long-running exploration of the silent dialogue between humanity and nature, offers a deeply reflective meditation on themes of consumption, environmental impact, and the search for balance between urban life and natural serenity. The works invite viewers to contemplate the interplay between the escape from urban chaos and nature’s tentative return to human spaces, all while probing our collective yearning for inner peace and harmony.

Work History, Books, Films and Exhibitions

OTHER WORK

-SCULPTURES
Stranka’s passion for transforming his works into three-dimensional sculptures bridges photography and spatial art. Using materials like bronze with different patinas, he adds depth to his narrative, symbolizing themes such as permanence versus transience and clarity versus introspection. His sculptures offer an immersive experience, inviting viewers to explore his work from new angles.

-BOOKS
Beautiful Accidents (2023): A 17-year retrospective of Stranka’s career, featuring photographs, sculptures, and behind-the-scenes content.
Dechem (2020): A visual exploration of light, shadow, and calm.
10 Years (2017): A limited edition of iconic images from a decade of work.
I AM (2012): A reflection on identity and transformation.