Vika Petlakh
Vika aligns her art with her way of life: natural, boundless, and raw. Her work spans globally and embodies everything from art direction, commercial campaigns, creative branding to fine art and fashion photography. Vika’s art and approach resonates with her audience evoking a sense of familiarity, and effortless emotional connection unique to each viewer. Through her provocative portfolio and imaginative lens into the world as we know it, each viewer is invited to experience a new window into the celebration of humanity. It’s the energy of a moment. Capturing the beauty amidst the chaos. The only answer is mystery.
PAST EXHIBITIONS
LA Art Show - LA Convention Center - California - JANUARY 2019
X Contemporary Art Fair - Nobu Hotel - Miami Art Basel - DECEMBER 2016
Left Alive - NuSpace - Los Angeles - JUNE 2017
Series7 - THEFACENY - New York City - NOVEMBER 2017
Series7 - Soho House West Hollywood - Los Angeles -DECEMBER 2017
Series7 - Ludlow House - New York City - DECEMBER 2017
LA Art Show - Los Angeles - JANUARY 2018
NonFinito Gallery - New York City - MAY 2018
LA Art Show - LA Convention Center - California - JANUARY 2019
X Contemporary Art Fair - Nobu Hotel - Miami Art Basel - DECEMBER 2016
Left Alive - NuSpace - Los Angeles - JUNE 2017
Series7 - THEFACENY - New York City - NOVEMBER 2017
Series7 - Soho House West Hollywood - Los Angeles -DECEMBER 2017
Series7 - Ludlow House - New York City - DECEMBER 2017
LA Art Show - Los Angeles - JANUARY 2018
NonFinito Gallery - New York City - MAY 2018
A Sit Down with Vika Petlakh
Amidst a chaotic world filled with dispiriting images, stories, and conflicts, Vika Petlakh is able to capture the moments that evoke feelings of nostalgic bliss and natural beauty.
The California-based photographer has built an impressive following with a portfolio that includes work for commercial campaigns, creative branding, fine art, and fashion photography.
Despite crossing multiple categories of photography, Vika’s work breathes a signature style noticeably crafted with freedom and character. Inspired by life, travel, and human connection, her photos ooze elegance and mystery, delivering an emotional connection to people of all demographics.
“I am in life as I am with my work: curious, passionate and spontaneous,” she said. “I don't like to pin down too many details within my shoots as I believe there should always be room to explore further, experiment with lighting, angles, textures and poses.”
Experimentation is a big chunk of Vika’s creative process, but her work is concise and fulfilled. She describes her process as a science experiment which methods can only be expressed to the viewers visually. Vika is humble about her success, but confident about her skills and the team behind her.
“I am still well on my way”, she said. “I am grateful to work alongside some really talented, passionate individuals. I was once told if I didn't believe in myself, someone else who was less skilled, less talented, and had more confidence and drive would get ahead of me.”
For Vika, dissecting how to complete a shoot starts with understanding the subject, while feeling out the energy in the room. Channeling that power leads to photos both provocative and sentimental in nature, begging the viewer to explore every detail. The chemistry between Vika, her subjects, and her team is apparent throughout her entire portfolio.
“I believe in chemistry and energy; I believe in magic,” Vika said. “The most beautiful things come out of a project with good energy, strong chemistry (between my subjects/ team and I), and passion about the work from everyone involved.”
Vika’s passion for photography has built an impressive clientele spanning various publications and campaigns. She is a trusted name in the industry because of her dedication to the craft, while still exploring intricate artistic concepts.
“My view of an ideal client is one who trusts my vision and skill strongly enough to allow me to take the creative reins on a project I am shooting for them,” Vika said. “I'd rather work on a passionate and driven team for a no name brand than work for a recognized brand just to say I did. My goal is to always find the highest level of synergy with my clients and subjects, and create something bigger than ourselves.”
Vika’s drive and devotion assures clients that the project will be completely above expectations, and she is not afraid of making mistakes or taking risks.
“I'm proud of all my successes as well as mistakes - without which I wouldn't have ended up here doing my collaboration with Daniel Allen Cohen! This project is something that I am currently very excited about, as well as inspired,” Vika said.
Vika Petlakh’s following is constantly growing as more people view her awe-inspiring art; her visual examinations of character and the beauty human beings possess. Although photography will ever remain her passion, Vika made it known that her creativity will not stop there.
“With the constant explosion of technology I see that role (as a photographer) evolving greatly for myself and the industry as a whole over the next decade. Photography is forever my passion, but the foundation of that passion is my creativity. I'd love to explore that foundation further in the next 10 years through deeper collaboration with other artists as well as trying on a few different hats within my industry.”
If Vika Petlakh could go back in time to shoot any era or person, who would it be?
“I would love to bring back and photograph Michael Jackson. To have a one on one session with such an enigma absolutely fascinates me. When I photograph my subjects, some level of ‘research’ is done. I have the opportunity to delve into another's soul; my challenge remains to be able to bring that raw, pure self out of them and capture it elegantly.”
You can check out Vika Petlakh’s expressive portfolio on her Instagram @stillvika or on her personal website here.
Amidst a chaotic world filled with dispiriting images, stories, and conflicts, Vika Petlakh is able to capture the moments that evoke feelings of nostalgic bliss and natural beauty.
The California-based photographer has built an impressive following with a portfolio that includes work for commercial campaigns, creative branding, fine art, and fashion photography.
Despite crossing multiple categories of photography, Vika’s work breathes a signature style noticeably crafted with freedom and character. Inspired by life, travel, and human connection, her photos ooze elegance and mystery, delivering an emotional connection to people of all demographics.
“I am in life as I am with my work: curious, passionate and spontaneous,” she said. “I don't like to pin down too many details within my shoots as I believe there should always be room to explore further, experiment with lighting, angles, textures and poses.”
Experimentation is a big chunk of Vika’s creative process, but her work is concise and fulfilled. She describes her process as a science experiment which methods can only be expressed to the viewers visually. Vika is humble about her success, but confident about her skills and the team behind her.
“I am still well on my way”, she said. “I am grateful to work alongside some really talented, passionate individuals. I was once told if I didn't believe in myself, someone else who was less skilled, less talented, and had more confidence and drive would get ahead of me.”
For Vika, dissecting how to complete a shoot starts with understanding the subject, while feeling out the energy in the room. Channeling that power leads to photos both provocative and sentimental in nature, begging the viewer to explore every detail. The chemistry between Vika, her subjects, and her team is apparent throughout her entire portfolio.
“I believe in chemistry and energy; I believe in magic,” Vika said. “The most beautiful things come out of a project with good energy, strong chemistry (between my subjects/ team and I), and passion about the work from everyone involved.”
Vika’s passion for photography has built an impressive clientele spanning various publications and campaigns. She is a trusted name in the industry because of her dedication to the craft, while still exploring intricate artistic concepts.
“My view of an ideal client is one who trusts my vision and skill strongly enough to allow me to take the creative reins on a project I am shooting for them,” Vika said. “I'd rather work on a passionate and driven team for a no name brand than work for a recognized brand just to say I did. My goal is to always find the highest level of synergy with my clients and subjects, and create something bigger than ourselves.”
Vika’s drive and devotion assures clients that the project will be completely above expectations, and she is not afraid of making mistakes or taking risks.
“I'm proud of all my successes as well as mistakes - without which I wouldn't have ended up here doing my collaboration with Daniel Allen Cohen! This project is something that I am currently very excited about, as well as inspired,” Vika said.
Vika Petlakh’s following is constantly growing as more people view her awe-inspiring art; her visual examinations of character and the beauty human beings possess. Although photography will ever remain her passion, Vika made it known that her creativity will not stop there.
“With the constant explosion of technology I see that role (as a photographer) evolving greatly for myself and the industry as a whole over the next decade. Photography is forever my passion, but the foundation of that passion is my creativity. I'd love to explore that foundation further in the next 10 years through deeper collaboration with other artists as well as trying on a few different hats within my industry.”
If Vika Petlakh could go back in time to shoot any era or person, who would it be?
“I would love to bring back and photograph Michael Jackson. To have a one on one session with such an enigma absolutely fascinates me. When I photograph my subjects, some level of ‘research’ is done. I have the opportunity to delve into another's soul; my challenge remains to be able to bring that raw, pure self out of them and capture it elegantly.”
You can check out Vika Petlakh’s expressive portfolio on her Instagram @stillvika or on her personal website here.