Skip to main content

Mikael Kenta Art

Swedish, b. 1972

Long before he was one of the top male models of the 1990s — appearing in fashion campaigns for Calvin Klein, Versace, Guess? and Roberto CavalliMikael Kenta was a photographer. Today he creates stunning portraits that capture the humanity, strength and character of each of his subjects.

Born in 1972 in Gothenburg, Kenta showed a love of photography at an early age — his father gave him his first camera when he was only seven. In later years, Kenta studied science and graphic design. However, he decided he was more interested in photography and, in his spare time, worked as an assistant to a fashion photographer in Gothenburg. 

In 1994, Kenta went to Milan, keen to learn more about fashion and art photography. In an attempt to launch his photographic career, he applied to several fashion agencies — as it turned out, they were more interested in signing Kenta as a model. 

During his 15-year modeling career, Kenta gained valuable insight into the world of fashion photography, learning various techniques about posing subjects, lighting and composition — elements that make up much of Kenta’s own photography today.

Although he prefers to work in black and white photography, citing revered American fashion photographer Herb Ritts as an influence, Kenta demonstrates considerable proficiency with color photography — inspired by the “kitsch pop Surrealism” that characterizes the work of American MTV music video director and photographer Dave LaChapelle. This is evident in Kenta’s “Iconic” series featuring works such as Mr. Donut, Kind of Blue and Coke. In 2016, the series was shown at the “Walk of Inspiration” exhibition in Stockholm.

The following year, Kenta spent six months on the island of Ibiza, meeting and photographing several people who made a lasting impression on him. This culminated in a striking series of hyperrealistic black-and-white portraits titled “People from Ibiza.” 

Kenta’s contemporary photography continues to garner critical acclaim from art critics and collectors alike, with his works featured in galleries throughout Europe and the United States.

Find original Mikael Kenta photography on 1stDibs.

to
1
21
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
22
22
12
10
21
17
12
10
10
9
6
6
5
5
4
4
4
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
22
22
22
10,185
2,809
2,503
1,398
1
1
22
Artist: Mikael Kenta
Francisco From Ibiza Series
Francisco From Ibiza Series

Francisco From Ibiza Series

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Black and White

Pedro and Mariette, From Ibiza Series, Diptych
Pedro and Mariette, From Ibiza Series, Diptych

Pedro and Mariette, From Ibiza Series, Diptych

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Black and White, Archival Pigment

Set From the Ibiza People series
Set From the Ibiza People series

Set From the Ibiza People series

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Black and White, Archival Pigment

Mr Donut, Kind of Blue, and V Triptych. From Iconic Series
Mr Donut, Kind of Blue, and V Triptych. From Iconic Series

Mr Donut, Kind of Blue, and V Triptych. From Iconic Series

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The “Iconic” series was presented as part of the exhibition “Walk of Inspiration” showed in Stockholm in 2016. These vibrant unique color images are an homage to the “kitsch pop surr...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment

Coke From Iconic Series,  Medium Size
Coke From Iconic Series,  Medium Size

Coke From Iconic Series, Medium Size

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The “Iconic” series was presented as part of the exhibition “Walk of Inspiration” showed in Stockholm in 2016. These vibrant unique color images are an homage to the “kitsch pop surr...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Color

Francisco and Mariette, From Ibiza Series, Diptych
Francisco and Mariette, From Ibiza Series, Diptych

Francisco and Mariette, From Ibiza Series, Diptych

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Black and White

Ron From Ibiza Series
Ron From Ibiza Series

Ron From Ibiza Series

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Black and White

Jesus From Ibiza Series
Jesus From Ibiza Series

Jesus From Ibiza Series

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Black and White

Pedro. From Ibiza Series
Pedro. From Ibiza Series

Pedro. From Ibiza Series

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Black and White

Jesus 2 From Ibiza Series
Jesus 2 From Ibiza Series

Jesus 2 From Ibiza Series

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Black and White

Mr Donut From Iconic Series, Large Size
Mr Donut From Iconic Series, Large Size

Mr Donut From Iconic Series, Large Size

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The “Iconic” series was presented as part of the exhibition “Walk of Inspiration” showed in Stockholm in 2016. These vibrant unique color images are an homage to the “kitsch pop surr...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Color

Mariette From Ibiza Series
Mariette From Ibiza Series

Mariette From Ibiza Series

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Black and White

Jesus 2 and Jesus, From Ibiza Series, Diptych
Jesus 2 and Jesus, From Ibiza Series, Diptych

Jesus 2 and Jesus, From Ibiza Series, Diptych

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Black and White, Archival Pigment

Anibal From Ibiza Series, Small Size
Anibal From Ibiza Series, Small Size

Anibal From Ibiza Series, Small Size

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Black and White

Gonzalo From Ibiza Series
Gonzalo From Ibiza Series

Gonzalo From Ibiza Series

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Black and White

Marbella From Iconic Series, Large Size
Marbella From Iconic Series, Large Size

Marbella From Iconic Series, Large Size

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The “Iconic” series was presented as part of the exhibition “Walk of Inspiration” showed in Stockholm in 2016. These vibrant unique color images are an homage to the “kitsch pop surr...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment

Yello. From Iconic Series, Medium Size
Yello. From Iconic Series, Medium Size

Yello. From Iconic Series, Medium Size

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The “Iconic” series was presented as part of the exhibition “Walk of Inspiration” showed in Stockholm in 2016. These vibrant unique color images are an homage to the “kitsch pop surr...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment

Why Not From Iconic Series, Medium Size
Why Not From Iconic Series, Medium Size

Why Not From Iconic Series, Medium Size

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The “Iconic” series was presented as part of the exhibition “Walk of Inspiration” showed in Stockholm in 2016. These vibrant unique color images are an homage to the “kitsch pop surr...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Color

Kind of Blue From Iconic Series, Medium Size
Kind of Blue From Iconic Series, Medium Size

Kind of Blue From Iconic Series, Medium Size

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The “Iconic” series was presented as part of the exhibition “Walk of Inspiration” showed in Stockholm in 2016. These vibrant unique color images are an homage to the “kitsch pop surr...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Color

V From Iconic Series, Large Size
V From Iconic Series, Large Size

V From Iconic Series, Large Size

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The “Iconic” series was presented as part of the exhibition “Walk of Inspiration” showed in Stockholm in 2016. These vibrant unique color images are an homage to the “kitsch pop surr...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Color

Safari From Iconic Series, Large Size
Safari From Iconic Series, Large Size

Safari From Iconic Series, Large Size

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The “Iconic” series was presented as part of the exhibition “Walk of Inspiration” showed in Stockholm in 2016. These vibrant unique color images are an homage to the “kitsch pop surr...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Color

Ron and Mariette, From the Ibiza Series, Diptych
Ron and Mariette, From the Ibiza Series, Diptych

Ron and Mariette, From the Ibiza Series, Diptych

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“People from Ibiza” Kenta first came to visit the magic island of Ibiza as a young man at the age of 18 and fell in love with the diversity of personalities and expressions of freedo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Black and White, Archival Pigment

Related Items
Mike, Miami Beach

Mike, Miami Beach

By Lynda Churilla

Located in Hudson, NY

Listing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition 1 of 25. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is p...

Category

1990s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Christian & Nathan Fletcher", Islamorada, Florida, 1995

"Christian & Nathan Fletcher", Islamorada, Florida, 1995

By Lynda Churilla

Located in Hudson, NY

Listing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition 1 of 10. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is produced upon purchase. Please allow two weeks for production. Shipping time depends on method of shipping. Price is subject to availability. The Robin Rice Gallery reserves the right to adjust this price depending on the current edition of the photograph. In her new exhibition Churilla draws from her years spent as a swimmer, lifeguard, and athlete to capture the forgotten freedom and exuberance of days of youth spent on the water. Viva la Vida is a mix of timeless portraits and candid photographs "I’ve always been drawn to the water- now my art, my sense of athleticism, freedom and oasis have merged in a way", says Churilla. Her nod to iconic photographers from the past, such as Edward Weston, and Herbert List, is apparent in her portrait work. In another Christian & Nathan Fletcher is in the midst of a surf crusade off the coast of Islamorada, Florida. Christian pioneered a new revolution in surfing style with his aerial techniques. The artist’s genuine connection to her subjects allows the viewer to forget the presence of a camera and to be drawn into the personal narrative. The invitational image Longboard Afternoon, taken at Ditch Plains, Montauk, focuses on the portrayal of the atmosphere rather than the individual subjects. With a 70’s feel the viewer is intrigued by the layers of life, activity and parallel moments shared by silhouettes of surfers carrying longboards at hazy days end. One such image, Gustavo, depicts a male figure seated poolside with head bowed. The pose and the wet sheen to his hair and skin give the subject a classic, sculptural look. All the photographs exhibited in are in various sizes are printed on heavy weight cotton paper with the traditional glossy baryta surface in rich tones of black and white. Her artist mother, Barbara Churilla, involved her in creating art, sculpture, painting and photography from an early age. She was raised in Princeton, New Jersey. She graduated from School of Visual Arts in NYC with a BFA in Photography. Lynda began her photo assisting career with legendary photographer Bruce Weber. Over a period of almost a decade she traveled the world with Weber learning not only knowledge of photography, but also life. Eventually becoming his trusted first assistant before embarking on her own photography adventure. Churilla’s work has been celebrated in American Photo, where she was heralded as one of the young visionaries of 21st century. She has photographed numerous celebrities, such as Cameron Diaz, Jewel, Olivier Martinez, Coldplay, Pet Shop Boys...

Category

1990s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Buckham Twins, Chateau Marmont

Buckham Twins, Chateau Marmont

By Lynda Churilla

Located in Hudson, NY

Listing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition 1 of 15. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is produced upon purchase. Please allow two weeks for production. Shipping time depends on method of shipping. Price is subject to availability. The Robin Rice Gallery reserves the right to adjust this price depending on the current edition of the photograph. In her new exhibition Churilla draws from her years spent as a swimmer, lifeguard, and athlete to capture the forgotten freedom and exuberance of days of youth spent on the water. Viva la Vida is a mix of timeless portraits and candid photographs "I’ve always been drawn to the water- now my art, my sense of athleticism, freedom and oasis have merged in a way", says Churilla. Her nod to iconic photographers from the past, such as Edward Weston, and Herbert List, is apparent in her portrait work. In another Christian & Nathan Fletcher is in the midst of a surf crusade off the coast of Islamorada, Florida. Christian pioneered a new revolution in surfing style...

Category

1990s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"John Surf", Miami Beach, FL, 2000

"John Surf", Miami Beach, FL, 2000

By Lynda Churilla

Located in Hudson, NY

Listing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition 1 of 20. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is p...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Resonance" Portrait Photography 36" x 24" in Ed. 1/7 by Aaron Mcpolin
"Resonance" Portrait Photography 36" x 24" in Ed. 1/7 by Aaron Mcpolin

"Resonance" Portrait Photography 36" x 24" in Ed. 1/7 by Aaron Mcpolin

By Aaron McPolin

Located in Culver City, CA

"Resonance" Portrait Photography 36" x 24" in Ed. 1/7 by Aaron Mcpolin Archival Giclee Print Signed and numbered by the artist. Comes with COA issued by the artist. NOT framed. Shi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Limelight" Photo BOOK with 4 x hand printed silver gelatin prints UNIQUE
"Limelight" Photo BOOK with 4 x hand printed silver gelatin prints UNIQUE

"Limelight" Photo BOOK with 4 x hand printed silver gelatin prints UNIQUE

Located in Norwich, GB

Iconic and rare limited edition prints direct from the negative, signed on reverse in pencil by photographer Accompanied by recently released photo book "Limelight" September 2025, ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

"Fiat #10", France, 2015

"Fiat #10", France, 2015

By Bill Phelps

Located in Hudson, NY

Listing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition of 25. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is produced...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Miro Smoking

Miro Smoking

By Marc Yankus

Located in New York, NY

Archival pigment print Signed, titled, numbered, and dated, verso 17 x 11 inches, sheet (Edition of 15) 22 x 17 inches, sheet (Edition of 15) This photograph is offered by ClampAr...

Category

1990s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Immersion - Horse Photography - Portrait
Immersion - Horse Photography - Portrait

Immersion - Horse Photography - Portrait

By Raphael Macek

Located in New York City, NY

Equestrian Beauty series: The legendary and complex relationship between humans and horses is an enduring one. The horse’s distinctive blend of grace and strength and its sleek beau...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Plexiglass

Mother's House

Siri KaurMother's House, 2019

$2,000

H 16 in W 21 in

Mother's House

By Siri Kaur

Located in Sante Fe, NM

In SHE TELLS ALL, Kaur engages questions of identity performance by exploring an ever-present and wildly diverse American identity: the modern American witch. Witches are contemporar...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Woodman

Marc YankusWoodman, 2000

$950

H 17 in W 11 in

Woodman

By Marc Yankus

Located in New York, NY

Archival pigment print Signed, titled, numbered, and dated, verso 17 x 11 inches, sheet (Edition of 15) 22 x 17 inches, sheet (Edition of 15) This photograph is offered by ClampAr...

Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Jockey Blur", 2004, Sedgefield, UK

"Jockey Blur", 2004, Sedgefield, UK

By Pete Kelly

Located in Hudson, NY

A jockey pictured without his horse- a true rarity. Given Kelly's perspective, we can infer that the jockey is looking down on his horse. However, due to the angle of the camera it l...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Previously Available Items
Francisco and Mariette, From Ibiza Series, Diptych
Francisco and Mariette, From Ibiza Series, Diptych

Francisco and Mariette, From Ibiza Series, Diptych

By Mikael Kenta

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Francisco and Mariette, Diptych From the "Ibiza" Series Archival Pigment Print with a 1.57-inch white border. Individual Image size: 62.99 in. H x 47.24 in. W Overal size: 62.99 in. ...

Category

2010s Contemporary Mikael Kenta Art

Materials

Black and White, Archival Pigment

Mikael Kenta art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Mikael Kenta art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue, green, pink and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Mikael Kenta in archival pigment print, pigment print and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Mikael Kenta art, so small editions measuring 24 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Laurent Campus, Clara Hallencreutz, and Bill Owens. Mikael Kenta art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,200 and tops out at $10,100, while the average work can sell for $3,100.

Artists Similar to Mikael Kenta