Andras Ikladi — Ikládi András
For the longest time, I have felt that I am here—whether in this particular incarnation or in a singular life—to learn, discover, and experience. This principle has taken me through various domains, from engineering and a love of motorcycles to filmmaking and, ultimately, photography. Over the years, I have lived on four continents, in nearly a dozen countries (I’ve already lost count), and travelled halfway around the world on a motorcycle.
My photographic practice reflects this ongoing journey. After two decades as a visual effects artist on major Hollywood productions, with various awards from the film industry under my belt, I was searching for a fresh, more personal form of expression. Photography emerged not just as a new medium but as a deeply personal exploration—an extension of a lifelong practice of observation.
Driven to discover my leitmotifs—the surrealism inherent in everyday life, fears and the dualistic undercurrents beyond surface appearances—I often operate on the fringes of street photography. As the process unfolds, I adopt a more subjective stance, transitioning towards a reflective, elliptic, and lyrical perspective. Editing becomes a crucial step in this evolution, enriching the initial concept with personal meaning through reinterpretation, crafting an implied narrative that prompts the viewer to connect threads of subjective experiences between image pairs and within the broader sequence.
Over time, I have arrived at the photobook as my preferred medium. It offers a nuanced form of artistic expression, allowing me to set the context, guide the unfolding of a theme through sequencing, and engage with the tactile and design aspects of the finished piece. To date, I have published seven short-run books, and I remain committed to evolving my practice and continuing this introspective exploration through the photobook form.
Photography is not for the satisfaction of others.
Neither is it some kind of responsibility or mission.
It is a means to fill a personal void.