Paul Lukin
Paul Lukin (b. 1980) is a Croatian-born, Bangkok-based photographer renowned for his emotionally resonant black and white imagery. Widely regarded as a significant figure in contemporary black and white photography, Lukin has gained international acclaim for his mastery of light, shadow, and emotional narrative. His work delves into themes of loneliness, isolation, and the psychological dimensions of the human experience, blending street, documentary, and fine art photography into a singular visual language.
Lukin’s photographs have been exhibited globally, including at renowned venues such as Somerset House in London. He was twice invited as an exhibiting artist to the European Cultural Center as part of the Venice Art Biennale, in both 2019 and 2021, recognizing his contribution to contemporary photography. In 2018, he self-published Solitude, a significant work capturing moments of profound emotional depth.
His accolades include winning the Exposure One Awards in 2024 and being a finalist for the Sony World Photography Awards and the Siena International Photo Awards. Lukin’s photographs have appeared widely in media outlets such as National Geographic, BBC, Black + White Photography Magazine, and L’Œil de la Photographie. His limited-edition prints are considered heirlooms of modern emotional life, capturing moments that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Lukin’s work resonates with emotional honesty and profound psychological depth. His photographs are atmospheric seismographs of the human condition, blending street, documentary, and fine art photography into a singular visual language. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, Lukin channels an uncommon emotional gravity through his black and white photographs. His imagery, described as a cartography of solitude and silence, exists at the intersection of poetry and raw documentation.
Lukin’s approach dismantles the idea of photographic objectivity; for him, photography is a mirror of emotional reality rather than a mere lens. His photographs are more than images; they are visual diaries of the subconscious, carved from shadow and silence. This philosophy is evident in his work, where each frame captures the nuanced interplay between light and shadow, revealing the depths of human emotion.
Beyond his photographic practice, Lukin shares his expertise through street photography workshops in Bangkok, guiding participants in capturing the city’s essence through their lenses. His commitment to the craft and to mentoring emerging photographers underscores his dedication to the photographic community. Lukin’s work continues to inspire and influence, solidifying his position as a pivotal figure in contemporary photography.
Lukin has exhibited his work internationally, including at renowned venues such as Somerset House in London. He was twice invited as an exhibiting artist to the European Cultural Center as part of the Venice Art Biennale, in both 2019 and 2021, an honor recognizing his contribution to contemporary photography. In 2018, Lukin self-published Solitude. His photographs are part of several public and private permanent collections worldwide.
