Hungary flag
 
BIFA had the pleasure of interviewing Irina Jomir shortly after she was named the 2023 Photographer of the Year. At the time, when asked how the award had influenced her career, she noted that the full impact was still unfolding. Now, a year later, Irina reflects on the profound and transformative effect the honor has had on her creative journey. Since receiving the award, her work has gained significant visibility and credibility, leading to a wave of exciting recognitions, international exhibitions, and new opportunities. In this in-depth follow-up conversation, she shares how this pivotal moment continues to shape her artistic voice, her commitment to the themes she explores, and the stories she tells through her lens.

Looking back a year after receiving the Photographer of the Year award, how would you describe the impact it had on your career and creative direction?

Receiving the BIFA Photographer of the Year award was a profound turning point. It not only elevated the visibility of my work internationally but also gave it a certain weight and credibility that opened doors previously out of reach. This recognition deepened my commitment to the themes I explore—particularly the psychological and symbolic complexity of the feminine experience—and gave me renewed courage to pursue even more intimate, layered narratives. Creatively, it reaffirmed my belief in the slow, intentional process of building visual worlds rooted in emotion, mythology, and introspection.

Was there a specific moment or opportunity over the past year that made you realize how significantly things had changed since the award?

Yes—several, in fact. But perhaps the most symbolic moment was when I learnt that one of my works would become part of the permanent collection at the Chianciano Terme Art Museum in Italy. To know that something I created now exists in an institutional space, preserved as part of a wider art historical context, was deeply moving. It was a quiet but powerful affirmation that my voice—and the stories I tell—have a place beyond the moment they’re created in.

Your work has now been featured in international exhibitions and publications. How have those platforms helped shape the way you think about your art—and your audience?

Each exhibition or publication is a mirror through which I see my work anew. When my images are placed in dialogue with different curatorial visions or viewed by audiences across borders, I become more aware of the universal undercurrents in what I create. It has reminded me that even the most personal expressions can resonate widely, especially when rooted in emotional truth. I’ve also become more conscious of how cultural context shapes interpretation, and this awareness subtly informs how I construct visual narratives.

Having been part of exhibitions from Italy to Barcelona, has the experience of showing your work in diverse cultural contexts influenced your perspective as a photographer?

Absolutely. Although the Barcelona exhibition will take place later this year, the anticipation itself is already shaping how I reflect on my work’s trajectory. Presenting in varied cultural environments deepens my understanding of how visual language can both transcend and be shaped by context. It challenges me to stay true to my vision while remaining open to how it will live and breathe in new settings. These moments of cultural exchange enrich not only how I share my work—but also how I dream future projects into being.

Several of your accolades speak directly to the recognition of women in the arts. Has this become a more intentional theme in your creative voice or outreach efforts?

It always lived at the heart of my work—this need to articulate and elevate the feminine voice, in all its complexity. But over the past year, I’ve felt more intentional about aligning myself with platforms that recognize and support women in the arts. It’s a responsibility I carry with pride. I believe in the importance of visibility, of reclaiming narratives and archetypes, and of contributing to a richer, more diverse visual landscape. The recognition has not only affirmed my path—it has inspired me to be more vocal in supporting others on theirs.

With one of your works entering a permanent museum collection, how does it feel to know your photography is now part of art history in such a tangible way?

It’s both humbling and surreal. As artists, we often work in solitude, guided by intuition and the need to express something deeply personal. To have that inner world recognized and preserved as part of a cultural legacy is an honor that goes beyond the personal. It’s a reminder that what we create matters—not just in our time, but in how it may echo into the future.

Have these experiences changed the kind of stories you want to tell through photography—or the way you approach new projects?

Yes, they have expanded my sense of possibility. I’ve become more deliberate with my concepts, seeking narratives that not only explore emotional landscapes but also engage with broader themes—spirituality, silence, power dynamics, and transformation. My process remains intuitive and symbol-driven, but now I approach it with a deeper sense of accountability to the themes I explore and the people who engage with my work.

What advice would you give to emerging photographers who are considering submitting to BIFA or any international competition, based on your own journey?

Be fearless in the honesty of your voice. Submit work that feels true to you, even if it doesn’t seem to fit prevailing trends. Awards like BIFA don’t just reward technical excellence—they recognize vision, authenticity, and emotional resonance. And remember: every submission is a declaration of presence. Don’t be discouraged by silence—keep showing up. Sometimes, the world takes a little time to see you clearly.

Finally, as you look ahead, are there any upcoming exhibitions, collaborations, or creative directions you're particularly excited about?

I’m deeply honored to be part of the upcoming Julia Margaret Cameron Awards exhibition at FotoNostrum Gallery in Barcelona this December, and next year, I’ll participate in the “Muses of Modernity: Women Artists Inspiring Change” group exhibition at Weiz Kunsthaus in Austria, organized by Pashmin Art Consortia. Both exhibitions resonate deeply with my artistic values—especially the focus on women artists shaping contemporary discourse. Looking ahead, I’m also exploring the idea of an artist book centered around my project The Pact of Silence, which continues to evolve in powerful and unexpected ways.

Read more:

Celebrating the Best of Photography: 2024 Budapest International Foto Awards Exhibition at the House of Lucie

BIFA 2023 WINNERS EXHIBITION IN ATHENS

Exhibition Overview: BIFA Winners at House of Lucie Budapest

As we step into 2025, we're thrilled to kick off the year with an exceptional photography exhibition at the House of Lucie Budapest. This year, we’re showcasing the remarkable winners of the 2024 Budapest International Foto Awards (BIFA), bringing together a collection of stunning works that embody the creativity and vision of talented photographers from around the globe.

Opening Event Details:

Date: January 16, Thursday
Time: 19:00–21:00
Location: House of Lucie Budapest, Falk Miksa utca 30, 1055, Budapest

Join us for an inspiring evening as we celebrate these award-winning photographers and the incredible stories behind their images. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the photographers and other art enthusiasts, while immersing yourself in the beauty and diversity of contemporary photography.

Exhibition Dates & Hours:

Exhibition Dates: January 17–31
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 16:00–19:00

During the exhibition, you’ll have the chance to explore the works of the 1st and 2nd place category winners, whose photography spans a wide range of subjects, styles, and techniques. The gallery walls will be adorned with the diverse and captivating pieces from the following talented photographers:

Louis-Philippe Provost, João Coelho, Marina Overchuk, Morten Rygaard, Daniela Balestrin, Marzena Kolarz, Kiyoshi Karimizu, Simon Johansson, John Noltner, Jeff Gilbert, Simone Olivieri, Violeta Alvarez, Kana Tanaka, Ali Zolghadri, Alessandro Tagliapietra, Dominik Gottwald, Enrico Curti, Michael Dorohovich, Ayla Hashemi, Jennifer Baron, Leonie Van Der Helm, Shirley Wung, Ali Zolghadri, Takeborn Nikukyu, David Ironbar, Jose Luis Gea Arques, Mike Rees, Oliver Lahrem, Michiko Ôtomo, Marko Dimitrijevic & Amos Nachoum, Sonia Corbo, Alfonso Pinto, Hung Chih Chen, Nikolaj Bransholm, Ann Zhulan, Paul Gravett, Paolo Gabriele Maiero, Ting-Yin Wang, Olga Konchakova, Olga Martynska, Christian Basetti, Yuliy Vasilev, Yingyi Chen, and Lorenzo Vitali.

In addition to the wall displays, the stunning works of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners will also be showcased on screen during the opening hours, offering an even deeper look into their award-winning projects.

Free Entry!

Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply looking to experience the power of visual storytelling, we invite you to take part in this vibrant celebration of photography and art.

So mark your calendars, join us on January 16 for the opening event, and don’t miss the opportunity to view the works of these exceptional photographers at the House of Lucie. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us at House of Lucie Athens to honor the exceptional winners of the 2023 Budapest International Foto Awards! Explore breathtaking images from talented photographers around the globe across various categories.

Mark your calendar for July 18, the opening day of the BIFA winners exhibition. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience!

OPENING EVENT
July 18 | 18:00-21:00

EXHIBITION OPENING HOURS
July 18 – July 31 | Wed – Fri 17:00-20:00 | Sat 11:00-15:00

LOCATION
House of Lucie Athens (Charalampi Sotiriou 4, Neapoli 114 72, Athens)

Follow BIFA on Instagram

BIFA
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.