Kurt Iswarienko

Short Biography

Kurt Iswarienko began his career in an unconventional way, by years spent working as a lighting technician on films in Hollywood. At the age of 20 Kurt found himself in Los Angeles, trying to get work on the set of "The Big Lebowski", and while he didn't make it onto that first production, he did eventually spend about 10 years in the film industry.It wasn't until he found himself on the set of the television show "Freak & Geeks", and was asked by producer Judd Apatow to take some stills on set, that Kurt realized he had a natural gift for still photography. Those early days proved to be the training ground for Kurt's cinematic sensitivity to composition and light, and has served him well in developing his uniquely narrative style of still photography. As intrigued by empty landscapes as he is by infamous personalities, the subjects of Iswarienko's photographs always seem to take us on a lyrical and sensitive journey to another world. Citing Russian photographer Rodchenko as his all time favorite artist, Kurt also names Edward Scteichen and Mario Sorrenti as major influences for him. He has shot for clients such as Levi's, BCBG, Nautica, Snickers, Veuve Cliquot, Lexux, ABC, Fox, HBO, The CW Network, Universal Music and Warner Brothers Records to name a few, and continues to perfect his candid yet definitive style and approach to the images he creates.Born in Akron, Ohio, Kurt has lived in Argentina, Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma. He is also an accomplished pilot and enjoys flying his Diamond Star prop airplane whenever he has the opportunity.