Anna Martynenko

about
  


   My work in photography explores the theme of transformation, blending reality with imagination to reveal the beauty within people and places. I believe that even small changes can inspire broader shifts—whether in mental health and well-being,belonging, identity, environmental awareness, or in the pursuit of gender equality and freedom. Each project is a journey of transformation, both in my subjects and within myself, reflecting the potential for change in the world around us.

As a creative process, I embrace collaborative exchange, an invitation to witness each individual’s unique identity—a discovery of personal experiences, differences, and quirks that reflect their journey toward self-acceptance. Outdoor settings are my preferred studio, where natural environments become spontaneous yet intentional backdrops, enhanced with props, styling, colors, and models. Even with limited resources, I aim to transform what’s available into something original, playful, fresh.

Influenced by fairytales, mythology, psychology, and spiritual and esoteric practices, my images invite viewers to look beyond the visible and engage with the unseen, embracing the mystery of the unknown and the power of subconscious.

I’m Ukrainian based in Berlin.
In addition to my fine art photography, I’m also a life coach and producer.






Grants

2024

APE 3rd Camp: Artist x Producer x Engineer in South Korea

2023

EU-Japan Fest Passport Program, mobility grant for Japan trip

“Culture Moves Europe” mobility grant from Goethe Institut, 2 months program in Greece

2019

Travel Grant from Schwarzkopf Stiftung, project “Future of the Youth” in Grece

STIBET,DAAD for Master project “Portrait of Modern Hedonist”

2018

Travel Grant from Schwarzkopf Stiftung, project "Populism in Europe" in Spain

2016

Travel Grant “StepBeyond”, European Cultural Foundation

Travel Grant “Open Ukraine” for Month of Photography Berlin


Artist Residencies

2024

Caza d'Oro, France

2023

Pack and Go, Art Residency Project in Italy and Albania funded by Italy Ministry of

Foreign Affairs

2022

Nouveau Grand Tour, Institut Français and Goethe Institut at Kulturfactory, Italy

2019

Re:Main, German-Ukrainian residency by Stiftung EVZ, Dresden/Kyiv
Awards

2022

Reclaim

Gallery 1 by Artichoke Trust, "Straight White Male"

Shortlisted for ARTIS 2022 OFF ART, Germany

Finalist of European Photography Competition "What about tomorrow?", Alliance Française Madrid, Goethe Institut, Institut Français Madrid

2018

Shortlisted for Friends Award, Freundeskreis des Hauses der Photographie e.V.


Exhibitions

2024

Solo exhibition "Legend's Path" at Caza d'Oro, France

2023

Group exhibition "Pack and Go" funded by Italy Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Centro Luigi Di Sarro, Rome, Italy

Group exhibition "Pack and Go" funded by Italy Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Casa Valiga, Bieno, Italy

Group exhibition "Pack and Go" funded by Italy Ministry of Foreign Affairs at MAD Center in Polis University, Tirana, Albania

Group exhibition "Cell in SHAPE and the GHOST in the Shell" at G.A.S-station gallery, Berlin

Group exhibition "The Gallery", by Artichoke Trust, Dray Walk, London

Group exhibition "Past & Present" as part of 15th anniversary celebration of "Der Greif" in Pavillon 333 at Pinakothek der Moderne and Zirka, Germany

Group exhibition during Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, UAE

2022

Group
exhibition "IDENTITY" at Studio183 in collaboration with Galerie SLP, Berlin


Group exhibition during Open Nights Festival Vol.7 in Larissa, Greece

Group exhibition during PASA festival in Seoul, South Korea

Group exhibition during Merlinka festival in Novi Sad and Belgrade, Serbia

Group exhibition "What about tomorrow?" at Goethe Institut Madrid, Spain

Group exhibition at the DSL VR Space Ukrainian pavilion during Paris+ par Art Basel, France

2020

Group exhibition during Rotterdam Photo 2020

Group exhibition "FASHION AND FIBER ART" at CICA Museum, South Korea

Group exhibition "MEN" at Spoiler Galerie, Berlin

Group exhibition during EMOP “Under the Surface", Berlin

2019

Group exhibition at Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochshule in Halle (Saale)

Group exhibition - presentation of Master projects at Lichthaus in Halle (Saale)

Group exhibition "Between us" in a private space in Neukölln, Berlin

2018

Group exhibition of Friends Award's winners at Freundeskreis des Hauses der Photographie c/o Deichtorhallen during Triennial of Photography in Hamburg