From 30 January 2025, Fotografiska Berlin invites you to step into the world of Frank Ockenfels 3. Renowned for his portraits of icons like George Clooney, Milla Jovovich, David Lynch, Nirvana and David Bowie, Ockenfels breaks traditional artistic rules by blending photography, collage, drawing, and journaling into a unique and layered style. At the heart of the exhibition is Ockenfels’ journal – a collection of collages, sketches and backward written text.
Image gallery
Fotografiska
Frank Ockenfels 3’s creative process is deeply tied to his habit of journaling, which began as a personal tool to manage anxiety during his college years. Having been encouraged by his mother to write down his thoughts before bed, he developed a practice of capturing the contents of his mind on paper. This nightly ritual of releasing thoughts and emotions became a cornerstone of his art, influencing his unique blend of styles and ideas.
His seemingly brutal way of distorting photographs, using tools like scissors, ink and charcoal, turns his portraits of world-famous actors and musicians into a reflection of Ockenfels’ own inner world. The deeply personal nature of this process underpins much of his work, making it both introspective and relatable.
David Bowie was one of the first to look at Ockenfels' journals and encourage him to share them with the world. Ockenfels photographed Bowie a record 16 times.
Frank Ockenfels 3: Introspection is not merely a display of art – it invites you to engage with the artist’s creative process, and through that, to access your own. Ockenfels’ exhibition Introspection welcomes you to explore the unexpected through his playful and spontaneous approach, inspiring you to break with convention and explore your own world through art, creativity and self-expression.
"My favorite thing that ever happens is when people tell me, ‘I had no idea about your work, I don’t really know your work, I’m not sure I even like your work – but it inspired me to go get a journal and start doing something.’ With that, for me, I’m done." – Frank Ockenfels 3
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Frank Ockenfels 3 (b. 1960) is a Los Angeles-based photographer, artist and director. He is renowned for his portraiture and incorporating non-photographic elements in his work. Ockenfels applies techniques like collage, painting and drawing to his photographs. He started his career in the late 80s taking photos of various musicians. Until today he has photographed over 200 album covers, with musicians like; David Bowie, Neil Diamond, Nirvana, Bruce Springsteen and Sting. He has also directed videos for bands such as; Alice in Chains, Deftones and Everclear. Frank Ockenfels 3 has also photographed countless TV advertising campaigns and major movie posters.
Examples of shows and films; Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Homeland, The Walking Dead, Harry Potter, Thor, Men in Black3, 50 Shades of Grey to highlight a few
This exhibition is curated by Jessica Jarl (Global Director of Exhibitions at Fotografiska) in collaboration with Frank Ockenfels 3. Coordinated by Thomas Schaefer (Exhibitions Manager at Fotografiska Berlin). As part of EMOP Berlin - European Month of Photography
Additional information
- Monday – Sunday 10:00–23:00
- Last admission is one hour before closing time
