LEVIN IFKO - EXPOSURE emerging photographers showcase

ULTIMATUM, BABY! is an ode to play, to ever-shifting identity, consistent inconsistency, and being inextricably one with change. This work consists of over sixty silkscreen prints in plexiglass boxes, built to resemble a children’s playground structure. The viewer may spin and change the orientation of these

photo collections, arranging and rearranging these moments to mix and mis-match as they see fit. Through the work, identity is represented as something both fluid and fragmented, created through memories, photos, objects, clothing, and lived experiences. The title of this piece rejects the idea that authenticity is our ultimatum; the end-point we all strive to live up to. Instead, ULTIMATUM, BABY! invites us to have fun with every version of ourselves, embracing the unknown through playful change.

BIOGRAPHY

Levin Ifko is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores play, ambiguity, and change. Their visual art often combines photography, sculpture, print, and video, all of which are created with a consideration towards queer and transgender identity, mental health, and neurodivergence. He is also an emerging singer-songwriter and music producer in the process of creating a debut collection of music and sound work anticipated for release in 2023 (TBA).

Recently, he has exhibited work at the Illingworth Kerr Gallery at AUArts (Calgary AB), the ATB Branch for Arts and Culture (Calgary AB), and the John & Maggie Mitchell Art Gallery (Edmonton AB). In early 2022, they were the artist-in-residence in the main space of The New Gallery (Calgary AB). His work can also be found travelling through the province in a group exhibition Urban Soul (2021-23), curated by Ashley Slemming as part of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts TREX program.

They also spend time collaborating with other artists, performers, and musicians to create sound and video work. Recently this has included working with visual artist Rocio Graham, drag artist and musician Dust Cwaine, as well as Blake McLeod of CINIC Studio.

Ifko graduated with a BFA in Media Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2022.