Meet Ivan Tomasevic | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivan Tomasevic and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivan, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Nasice, a small town in eastern Croatia, just before the outbreak of the Serbo-Croatian war. My father was involved in the conflict, so the entire experience shaped my early years. I spent my teenage years skateboarding and filming skateboard videos with my friends. This period was a big influence in shaping my interests and outlook on life, ultimately leading me to discover my love for photography. Although I was always involved in creative circles, my educational path led me to pursue engineering due to various societal and economic influences. Years later, when Croatia entered the EU, I relocated to Berlin, Germany, where I decided to continue my journey with photography. I began my formal education in visual arts there and later completed my master’s degree in Antwerp, Belgium. Over time, my dedication shifted entirely towards photography and visual arts.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently, I’m engaged as an artistic researcher at the Royal Academy Antwerp, where I’m collaborating with another artist on a project examining the cultural influences and geopolitical dynamics of the Balkan countries. Our aim is to explore the contemporary understanding of Balkan identity and to uncover what symbolically unites the region, while distinguishing it from the rest of Europe.

My work finds its inspiration in the documentary storytelling tradition, but I see it as existing in a space where truth merges with fiction. While working on stories grounded in reality, I blend in fictional elements as I believe it allows for deeper reflection and more subjective interpretation. By exploring themes such as tradition, community, memory, and place, I aim to understand the complexities of human connection and the essence of belonging. Through my experimentation with storytelling and design, I turn these ideas into handcrafted artist books.

In essence, my intent is not to impose singular interpretations but rather to invite viewers to engage with the narratives on a personal level, prompting introspection and dialogue. It is an attempt to explore the complex interplay between reality and imagination, leaving space for curiosity and reflection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Barbecue on the balcony with friends, enjoying good food and some nice French rosé. Check out photography exhibitions and galleries around the city.
East Side Gallery and street art on the Berlin Wall.
Drive to Poland along the Baltic Sea coast for nice views and seaside towns.
Silent film at midnight at Babylon Berlin.
Grab a ramen served from a window in a bucket and have lunch in the hood.
A day trip to Potsdam and Grunewald Forest.
Early morning swim in Hotel Oderberger Schwimmbad.
Mauerpark on Sunday: Flea market, beers, live music, karoke.
Drinks at sunset at the Admiralbrücke followed by a döner at Hasir on Kottbusser Tor.
Cruise around the city on bikes, stopping wherever looks interesting.
Visit Gropius Bau, Neue Nationalgalerie and Hamburger Bahnhof for some art exhibitions.
Dinner in French bistro Les Valseuses followed by billiard and drinks at the Pool & Cigars.
Visit abandoned Tempelhof airport and spend an afternoon in the Tempelhofer feld, playing frisbee and grilling.
Invite friends over, put on a beef stew and enjoy some drinks while it cooks.
Stroll through the Botanical garden in the southwest of Berlin.
Relaxing evening at Vabali Spa.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to all the people who have supported, mentored, and encouraged me along the way, including my family, friends, loved ones, teachers, mentors, and the inspiring individuals I’ve met throughout my journey. I would not be where I am without your help ❤️

Website: https://ivantomasevic.pb.photography

Instagram: @ivek_

Image Credits
All images © 2022-2023 Ivan Tomasevic