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Katrin Koenning

Katrin Koenning is a German-born, Melbourne-based visual artist known for her evocative photography exploring themes of place, belonging, and human interconnection. Her work is characterised by a poetic documentary style, capturing the subtleties of everyday life.

Katrin Koenning. Photo: Peter M Lamont

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Teaching Resources for Katrin Koenning (paid plans only)

Art Minute

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Art Minute: Katrin Koenning
0:00
/79.872

Title: Katrin Koenning - Revisiting
Duration: 04:49
Year: 2013
Director/DOP: Jason McQuoid / Peter M Lamont
Music: Peter M Lamont

About Katrin Koenning

Early Life and Background
Born in 1978 in Bochum, Germany, Koenning was raised in the Ruhrgebiet region. In 2003, she relocated to Australia, where her father and aunt had previously emigrated. This move significantly influenced her artistic perspective, providing a cross-cultural lens through which she examines themes of displacement and belonging.

Artistic Development and Education
Koenning pursued a Bachelor of Photography with High Distinction at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, in Brisbane, completing her studies in 2007. During her academic tenure, she received multiple Academic Excellence Awards, reflecting her dedication and skill in the photographic arts. Her education laid a strong foundation for her documentary approach, emphasising narrative and emotional depth.

Major Works and Exhibitions
One of Koenning's notable works is "Astres Noirs," a collaborative photobook with Sarker Protick, published in 2016. This project received critical acclaim, winning the Australian Photobook of the Year Award and being shortlisted for both the Prix Nadar and the Paris Photo–Aperture Foundation PhotoBook Awards. Her series "Glow" and "Indefinitely" further exemplify her ability to capture ephemeral moments, often focusing on light and shadow to convey impermanence. Koenning's work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Angkor Photo Festival in Cambodia and the Photo Kathmandu in Nepal.

Technique and Style
Koenning's photographic style is marked by a poetic documentary approach, blending narrative storytelling with visual lyricism. She often employs natural light and everyday scenes to explore themes of transience and connection. Her use of both still and moving images allows for a dynamic exploration of her subjects, creating immersive experiences that invite viewers to contemplate the fleeting nature of life.

Legacy and Influence
As a photographic educator, Koenning has contributed significantly to the field, teaching at institutions such as RMIT University and Photography Studies College in Melbourne. Her workshops and lectures have influenced a new generation of photographers, emphasizing the importance of narrative and emotional resonance in visual storytelling. Her work continues to inspire discussions on the human experience and our relationship with the environment.

Recent Activities
Koenning remains active in the photographic community, engaging in various projects and exhibitions. She continues to explore themes of impermanence and connection, utilizing her unique visual language to capture the subtleties of everyday life. Her ongoing commitment to education and collaboration underscores her influence in contemporary photography.

References

  1. Katrin Koenning Official Website
  2. Wikipedia - Katrin Koenning
  3. Hundred Heroines - Katrin Koenning
  4. Chose Commune - Katrin Koenning
  5. Humble Arts Foundation - Katrin Koenning Makes The World Glow

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