Photographer Filbert Kung Is An Experiential Artist

By: Alondra Nicole

The Prince of Portraits is returning to Milano, directing a curated exhibition inspired by his global portfolio. Kung’s showcase will arrive in Italia this June in the form of an intimate reception, hosted at a private gallery location accessed by invitation. While in Los Angeles for only a few days, Filbert discussed his love for creating art by means of the photographic medium.

Kung has spent two decades honing his artistic approach to photography, traveling to resplendent countries across every continent to honor the rich elements of each culture’s frame-work, and distinct population. As he travels city by city, visiting various prefectures, districts, and evergreen regions - the emotive artist shoots portraits that illuminate the beautiful miracles of life. Filbert has recently spent one month sailing through the warm steam of South America and Zambia- culminating his world tour in the ancient ruins of The Middle East.

By day, Filbert Kung is a journalistic photographer capturing the world one country at a time, having his work published in prized publications such as Vogue and Glamour. By evening, Filbert is a guest at a dear friend’s sublimely, upscale gathering. Then, by nightfall, Filbert is at Tom Bradley International Airport awaiting to board a thirty hour flight departing from Los Angeles. This is his day-to-day schedule as an internationally requested photographer, shooting masterful portraits of world talents. Filbert’s portfolio contains emotional images shot in Bolivia, Brazil, and most recently - through the vibrant, Great Rift Valley of South Africa. ,”I recently shot a campaign in Cape Town against the backdrop of the peninsula. My vision for the Cape Town project was to impart on the world a new standing point view of primitive, African legacy. The story of this world is found in Africa, that is where I have found it.”

Flibert’s latest photographic work is featured in Imagen Miami’s May issue, ‘Coastal Couture’. In the Malibu shot series of model Elijah Van Zanten, Filbert juxtaposes the pureness of urban style with rugged coastal terrain. In one photo, a fully-clothed Elijah lays upon a bed of damp rocks that border the industrialized outskirts of Malibu. His posture is relaxed, yet commanding to the eye to look closely. “As I travel, I notice that my shooting style collects new momentum from the cultures that have graciously invited me to appreciate their lands,” Filbert shared.

With a portfolio that features pieces of empowered political figures, such as Italian democratic leader, GIANCARLO PALLAVINCI; Kung has pioneered a new movement of modern photography. As he enters the intimate chambers of government institutions with his camera, Filbert becomes one with the moment in order to freeze time at just the right second. ,“I want every image to be a work art.”

Photo Courtesy of Filbert Kung [subject matter is world political figure, GIANCARLO PALLAVINCI].

In May of 2023, Filbert hosted his debut exhibition, ‘Blinded by the Light’ , at Pricipe de Sovia - the Forbes appraised ‘Milan icon Hotel with unbashed style’. The neoclassical, 19th century hotel received Kung’s gallery styled showcase, generating two-million engagements on the recap video documenting the experience. And though Filbert is of Philippine descent, he treasures Italia with the highest of regards.

The global photographer gifted our team with exclusive photos that will be on display at his June 2024 exhibit, hosted in Milan.

Photo Courtesy: Milano 2024 Exhibition of Filbert Kung [shot in Rio De Janeiro].

Photo Courtesy: Milano 2024 Exhibition of Filbert Kung.

For exclusive details regarding the location and date of his exhibition in Milano, follow @filbert_kung on Instagram.

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