Page 134 - VOL 8

Julia Appa

Julia Appa is a self-taught photographer from Hamburg, Germany, known for her honest and intimate portraits
as well as her evocative travel photography. Her work centers around themes of identity, belonging, and
connection— ideas inspired by her Polish heritage and complex family dynamics.
Growing up in Germany with roots in Poland, Appa has long felt the tension of cultural duality, navigating a
sense of alienation between two places yet not fully belonging to either. This experience of disconnection is
woven into her photography, and as a self-taught artist, she isn’t afraid to create raw and vulnerable images
that reflect the emotions she faced growing up.
Lately, Appa has been drawn to film photography for its unfiltered authenticity, capturing life as it is without
digital manipulation. Composition and storytelling are central to her work; they are tools she uses to reveal
layers of meaning, encouraging viewers to see something they might otherwise overlook. Through carefully
crafted compositions, she invites others to pause, reflect, and explore emotions that resonate universally,
creating a visual narrative that connects deeply with her audience.

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Daydreaming, 2024