Karbn Magazine

featured artist

Markus Klinko

Challenging Old Hollywood's "boys club mentality", female entertainers like Billie are using their platform to take ownership of their talent, voice, and body. Photographing these renegades is pop culture documentarian Markus Klinko, who photographed pioneers of music like Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Christina Aguilera in photos where their confidence is captured at every click.

Klinko has also worked with entertainers like Pamela Anderson and Paris Hilton, who are taking control over their own narrative, becoming icons of female empowerment.

His images honor the fearlessness, attitude, beauty, and vulnerability of each star.

What unexpected situations made you who you are today?
Before becoming a photographer, I had a successful career as a classical concert harpist, performing in concerts around the world, and recording for EMI Classics. Abruptly, in 1994, a mysterious hand problem forced me to abandon my career, but I quickly came to terms with it, as I realized that my childhood dreams and ambitions had actually already been fulfilled. Without any prior training or experience, I decided to become a fashion photographer! By applying the same focus and dedication that I was already trained to rely on, I made very quick progress, and within a few short years, I was fortunate enough to get a strong start in my new field.

What gets you excited and driven to achieve?
Like in any other artistic endeavor, you are only as good as your last job! One can not rest on past successes, and every time I pick up my camera , my reputation is on the line! At least that’s how I feel about it all, so this definitely keeps me on my toes! I am still very hungry and eager, and even after almost 30 years in this career, I am convinced the best is yet to come! In the last few years, I focused very much on developing my art gallery career as well. I am now represented by over 50 galleries around the world, and have had projects with famous museums. Celebrities like The Weeknd are collecting my work. But there remains so much to be done for me, and with everything new to shoot and project, I am still pushing hard to keep growing.

How has your style changed overtime?
My style hasn’t really changed as much as it has rather expanded. I love going from a very glossy, glamorous studio shoot to a much more low fi, natural environment, with daylight and creating a more effortless, spontaneous type look.

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work alone?
I am very focused and dedicated. When I decide to do something, I usually go all the way in! Call it tunnel vision maybe, but it certainly helps me to learn new things fast.

What aspects of your work do you find the most fulfilling?
I feel very privileged to constantly be given the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most talented musicians, actors, models and creative forces on the planet! This is the most inspiring aspect of my job!

featured artist

Markus Klinko

The Angel Factory