Born in Dortmund, Germany to Polish immigrant parents and migrating to Australia at a young age Filip (Fil) has always had a different view of his surroundings than that of his suburban Victorian classmates.
Surrounded by artistic influences from birth, and being a continuous presence in Melbourne’s contemporary art scene for over two decades, inspiration has come in many forms for Filip.
Fil’s father, Ryszard Konikowski, an internationally regarded artist in his own right has helped mould Filip’s keen eye for detail and his artistic drive. A constant critic Ryszard has helped Fil progress his art to the high calibre it is today. It was Ryszard who introduced Filip to photography in his early years by gifting him a Canon 400D.
His idiosyncratic and detail orientated approach to his work has allowed him to connect with a plethora of unique individuals spanning many fields, building an impressive catalogue of imagery featuring the faces of Melbourne’s art, music and fashion industries. His many contributions have led to features in publications all over the world, including Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Vault and most notably, a feature in the National Gallery of Victoria’s ‘200 Years of Australian Fashion’.
In his early twenties Fil’s love for all things vintage gave birth to his largest collection of work to date, Vintage Car Porn (VCP). An ever increasing collection of vintage car photography highlighting Melbourne’s classic car scene in situ. Being without a car, Fil travelled on slower modes of transport which allowed the hidden gems the necessary time to be noticed. Following the launch of the first VCP exhibition at B-side Gallery in January 2021, he is now preparing his second showcase for 2024 with some new surprises.
In March 2022, Filip exhibited with his father for the first time in Melbourne with a showcase of their multiple talents. A full circle moment, it was undoubtedly the beginning of ongoing collaborations with the man who inspired Filip’s journey into the world of photography.
After the success of the first VCP Exhibition, Fil put the wheels in motion for self publishing the Edition One of the VCP book in 2024, with the launch being held at Revolver Lane with over 200 people at the launch it was safe the say the book launch and exhibition was a success.
Exhibitions.
2024 ART ICON Exhibition - Paris, France - Group Show
2024 Freedom Show - Polish Art Foundation - Victorian Artist Society Gallery, East Melbourne - Group Show
2024 Vintage Car Porn Book Launch & Exhibition - Revolver Lane, Prahran - Solo
2023 Head On Photo Festival Exhibitor - Sydney - 15 Years of Portraits
2022 IPA (Int’l Photography Award) - Budapest, Hungary - Group Show
2022 PX3 - Paris, France - Group Show
2022 Konikowski & Son - Compendium Gallery, Armadale - Father (Ryszard Konikowski) & Son Show
2021 IPA (Int’l Photography Award) - Budapest, Hungary - Group Show
2021 Faces - Polish Art Foundation - Victorian Artist Society Gallery, East Melbourne - Group Show
2021 Vintage Car Porn - Bside Gallery, Fitzroy - Solo Show
2020 Vibes - Polish Art Foundation - Victorian Artist Society Gallery, East Melbourne - Group Show
2018 Trouble Makers - VS Gallery, Richmond - Group show
2016 Made in Melbourne - BWA Walbrzych - Zamek Ksiaz - Poland - Father (Ryszard Konikowski) & Son Show
2015 Head On Photo Festival Exhibitor - Gentleman's Club - Gaffa Gallery, Sydney - Solo Show
2014 Taboo Exhibition - Polish Art Foundation - Victorian Artist Society Gallery, East Melbourne - Group Show
2010 Vision Exhibition - Toorak - Solo Show
2008 30x30 Exhibit - Steps Gallery, Carlton - Group Show
Books.
2024 Vintage Car Porn - Edition One - Self Published
2017 Faces by Filip Konikowski - Celebrating Sunrise Cambodias 25th Anniversary. - Self Published
Accolades.
2024 IPA - Int’l Photography Award Honourable Mention, VCP BOOK (Book Category)
2024 IPA - Int’l Photography Award Honourable Mention, Brian Fantana 2023 (Advertising - Music)
2024 reFocus - Portrait Winner
2023 Head On Photo Festival - Portrait Finalist
2023 Head On Photo Festival - Landscape Finalist
2022 Head On Photo Festival - Portrait Finalist
2022 PX3 Paris Awards 2nd Place for BiRaPolar (Advertising - Music)
2021 IPA - Int’l Photography Award 2nd Place for BiRaPolar (Advertising - Music)
2018 Moscow Foto Awards Silver Awards for Moccasin Kings (Advertising - Fashion)
2017 IPA - Int'l Photography Award Honourable Mention for Brutalist life (Special Effects)
2017 IPA - Int'l Photography Awards Honourable Mention for Moccasin Kings (Advertising - Fashion)
2017 PX3 Paris Awards Honourable Mention for Moccasin Kings (Fashion/Advertising)
2016 IPA - Int'l Photography Awards Honourable Mention (Portrait)
2016 Moscow Foto Awards Honourable Mention (Portrait & Landscape)
2015 Moscow Foto Awards Winner (Portrait, Architecture, Special Effects, Advertising & Landscapes)
2015 PX3 Paris Awards Honourable Mention for Gentleman's Club Series (Portrait/Advertising)
2015 IPA - Int'l Photography Awards Winner (Portrait & Special Effects)
2014 Moscow Foto Awards Winner (Portrait)
2013 International Loupe Awards Bronze Winner (Portrait)
2013 Moscow Foto Awards Winner (Portrait)
2012 International Loupe Awards Bronze Winner (Portrait)
