The 6th Chelsea International Photography Competition
February 18 – February 25, 2025
Reception: Thursday, February 25, 6-8 PM
530 West 25th Street, New York, NY
Agora Gallery is pleased to present the 6th Chelsea International Photography Competition, running from February 18 to February 25, 2025. This annual exhibition highlights the creativity and ingenuity of modern photography, providing a select group of photographers with the opportunity to showcase their work in the heart of Chelsea, New York’s premier art district.
The collection reflects a diverse selection of photographic styles and subjects, from riveting portraits to experimental abstractions. Exhibiting artists were selected among hundreds of international and local applicants by a distinguished panel of jurors comprised of Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, Susan Ressler, and Kiran Karnani. Together, they bring expertise in documentary photography, social change, and visual storytelling, ensuring a dynamic and compelling celebration of contemporary photography.
The 2023/2024 Chelsea International Photgraphy Competition Results
Competition Exhibition
Professional Photography category:
Anne De Geer, Armineh Johannes, Chelsea Mahlangu, Cheryl Miller, Christian Kleiman, Gazelle Pezeshkmehr, Heidi Margocsy, Kasia Idzkowska, Kelly Hsiao, Lifu Hu, Lisa Saltzman, Mahendra Bakle, Mark Coggins, Paul Tillinghast, Paula Aranoa
Amateur Photography category:
Dennis Luckenbill, Ilaria Miani, Irene Wolpert, Jason Pfisterer, Joy Saha, Lloyd Kimeldorf, Marc Apers, Marina Eng, Mark Moskowitz, Michael Potts, Paolo Saracco, Sébastien Guillen, Sonia Landau, Syndi Pilar
The Art of Light Award by Harlowe:
Paul Westlake
Cash Prizes Awards:
Boas Perlstein, Hayato Takeshi, John Scurlock, Paul Adams, SkuLLivan®
ART-mine.com exposure:
Cheryl Nicholls, Christine Breslin, Patricia Saldana, Rivka Katvan Yiogos Michael
Social Media Promotion:
Grace Courbis, Kaat Stieber, Malcolm Lobban, Mark Zilberman, Max Marienko
Honorable Mention:
Brandon Ralph, Caeesar Lima, Daniel Oppenheim, Elena Plotnikova, Gaby Schmelzle, Marco Spindola, Maria Carmela Rizzuti, Robert Lie, Samantha Leon Steve Dinberg
Marc Apers
Marc Apers is a self-taught Belgian photographer whose work has evolved from architecture and street photography to a focus on black-and-white portraits and conceptual photography.
Born in 1958 in Antwerp, Apers’ work is marked by a deep exploration of human emotion, structure, and the dynamics of everyday life.
His images are characterized by a strong geometric framework, with an emphasis on light and shadow, shapes, and symmetry.
Apers often seeks out subjects that reflect his concepts, manipulating the complexity of the environment and emotion to create a powerful visual story.
Apers’ photography challenges the modern obsession with identity and visibility, often portraying people as unrecognizable fragments, contours, or shadows.
This approach invites viewers to engage with the image while leaving its identity unclear, prompting reflection on the balance between self-expression and self-concealment in today’s world.
Apers’ work encourages a deeper look at the human experience, providing an opportunity to explore the complexities of identity and the world we live in.
Hidden Romance
C-Type print on foamboard 12” x 18”
Paula Aranoa
Paula Aranoa is an Argentine artist specializing in black-and-white photography, exploring the hidden layers of the everyday.
Born in Buenos Aires in 1966, Aranoa’s academic and artistic journey spans Philosophy studies at the Universidad Católica Argentina, Fashion Design in Barcelona, and Photography at the Escuela Argentina de Fotografía.
Influenced by her time in Mexico and Spain, her work reflects a deeply introspective and conceptual approach.
Aranoa’s photography has been exhibited at prestigious events such as the Salon des BeauxArts in Paris, FotoNostrum’s Biennale in Barcelona, and Pinta Baphoto in Buenos Aires.
She has received numerous accolades, including the Jean Larivière Prize for her series Entretejidas.
Featured in international publications such as Musee Magazine and Photographize, Aranoa captures the subtle mysteries of human experience, turning fleeting moments into lasting works of art.
2
Interwoven
Photograph on Hahnemühle paper rag 308
19.5” x 26.5”
3
Interwoven
Photograph on Hahnemühle paper rag 308
19.5” x 26.5”
8
Interwoven
Photograph on Hahnemühle paper rag 308
19.5” x 26.5”
Mahendra Bakle
Mahendra Bakle is dedicated to capturing the everyday beauty of life through stunning portraits, cultural scenes, and breathtaking landscapes.
Specializing in fine art, documentary, and commercial photography, the studio works closely with clients to deliver exceptional results that align with their vision.
His work not only highlights the essence of places but also emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional cultures in today’s rapidly changing world.
Based in Maharashtra, India, Bakle is a highly acclaimed photographer known for his deep connection to rural landscapes and traditional lifestyles. His photography is celebrated for its blend of spontaneity and meticulous composition, which beautifully captures the innocence and charm of traditional cultures.
Bakle’s passion for documenting rural life stems from his graphic design and digital printing background. This skillset gives him a sharp eye for detail, ensuring each image tells a meaningful story.
His work has won top accolades, including a Gold at the 2019 Eyewinawards and recognition from China Tourism. With his expertise and vision, Mahendra Bakle continues to highlight the beauty and importance of rural traditions through his storytelling.
From Above Captivating Views of Cu Da’s Soy Sauce Legacy Photograph on Hahnemühle paper
30” x 20”
In His Own Beautiful World Photograph on hahnemühle paper
20” x 30”
The Fisherman’s Morning Photograph on hahnemühle paper
30” x 20”
Mark Coggins
Mark Coggins is an award-winning photographer and crime fiction novelist whose work focuses on candid black-and-white street photography.
An enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation, Coggins draws on his background in largeformat film photography to create images that highlight composition, depth, and storytelling. His training in traditional techniques has shaped his current style, which features sharply focused, tonally rich scenes that capture the energy and complexity of urban life.
Coggins’ photography has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States and Europe, and his work has appeared in numerous publications, including his photography monograph Street Stories (2021).
Known for his ability to tell visual stories, Coggins often seeks out group dynamics and interactions that hint at deeper narratives, as seen in his image Geisha Confidential.
Whether through his photographs or his novels, Coggins brings a remarkable perspective to storytelling that bridges the visual and literary arts.
Communion With A Seal
Archival pigment print
20” x 16”
Geisha Confidential Archival pigment print
16” x 20”
Water Fall
Archival pigment print
18” x 12”
Anne De Geer
Anne De Geer is a Swedish artist and analog photographer whose evocative black-and-white photography has captured the complexities of identity, gender, and human existence since 1979.
De Geer uses a Hasselblad camera and traditional darkroom methods to create minimalist, surreal portraits that explore the complexity of human identity and challenge traditional representations.
Her work invites reflection on the masks we wear and the contradictions inherent in selfrepresentation.
De Geer’s art has been showcased in prestigious international exhibitions, including Feminism Now at Shoebox Projects in Los Angeles, and has been featured at the Portland Art Museum and Grafiktriennalen in Lodz, Poland.
In addition to her photography, De Geer is an accomplished printmaker, creating copper plate etchings and screen prints.
Her works are housed in public collections worldwide, including the Swedish National Art Council. With a focus on the timeless beauty of Scandinavian light, De Geer’s art offers a space for personal interpretation, exploring the fragile intersections of life, identity, and time.
Delight
Photograph on fine art paper
24” x 24”
Playing with Time
Photograph on fine art paper
24” x 24”
Spring
Photograph on fine art paper
24” x 24”
In the Shadow
Photograph on fine art paper 24 x 24
Marina Eng
Marina Eng, a Russian-born photographer based in New York, is known for her powerful portraits that explore the emotions and inner lives of women.
With a background in graphic design, Marina transitioned into photography after working alongside renowned advertising and editorial photographer Paul Eng.
Together, they honed her studio techniques, and over the past 12 years, she has nurtured her artistic vision, combining classical art methods with modern photography.
Marina’s artwork encourages reflection, portraying the complexities of women’s lives with soft colors and emotional depth. Her portraits focus on resilience, vulnerability, and aging, shedding light on cultural stories handed down through generations.
In a world of quick snapshots, Marina’s photographs offer thoughtfully crafted stories that invite viewers to explore identity and the beauty of the human spirit. Her work seeks to inspire empathy and help others better understand the emotions that influence us all.
Hello Malevich. Self Portrait C-Type print on foamboard 18” x 12”
Sébastien Guillen
Sébastien Guillen is a French-born, multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans photography, video, collage, painting, sculpture, and more. Based in Brooklyn, NY, and Milford, PA, his work is shaped by his academic background, including an ABD in Philosophy and Fine Arts studies at the Sorbonne.
Guillen’s art delves into themes of perception, identity, and existence, offering a philosophical depth that enriches his creative expression. He was a finalist in the 2024 Fresh contest at Klompching Gallery and received an Honorable Mention at the 2024 International Photography Awards.
Guillen’s Dance for Pain series, which explores fragility, resilience, and imperfection, will be on view at Agora Gallery in Chelsea, NY. Through digital photography and AI-assisted collages, Guillen challenges conventional notions of beauty, inviting viewers to confront the hidden complexities of the human experience.
Dance For Pain #02
Fine Art print on Hahnemühle Baryta Satin
18” x 12”
Kelly Hsiao
Kelly Hsiao is an underwater photography artist based in Maui, Hawaii. Her art has been described as “floating surrealism” and “photography as painting,” centered around the ocean, fashion and aquatic performance. Her mission is to inspire a sense of higher consciousness, bringing people closer to a connection with nature, flow and well-being.
A graduate of Pratt Institute in New York with a BFA in photography 2000, Hsiao’s work has been exhibited globally in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Barcelona, with an upcoming exhibition at FotoNostrom gallery in June-July 2025.
Hsiao’s work has received international recognition, including the 24th Julia Margaret Cameron Award and earning Silver Metal at the 2024 Vienna International Photo Awards.
Her Nocturne series is inspired by black water night diving and the ethereal planktonic species encountered in the ocean. Hsiao highlights the fragility and impermanence of life and encourages viewers to reflect on their connection to the natural world.
Harmony I, Where You End And I Begin, Nocturne Series
Photograph on metal print
24” x 36”
Harmony II, Nocturne Series Photograph on metal print
24” x 36”
Lifu Hu
Lifu Hu is a Chinese photographer whose work explores themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time through staged, still life, and documentary photography.
Hu, a graduate of the School of Visual Arts with a Master’s in Digital Photography, creates images with vibrant lighting and rich textures. She transforms everyday objects and moments into compelling visual stories.
Hu’s photography has been featured in prestigious exhibitions, including the 2024 Every Woman Biennial and Culture Lab LIC’s The Year of the Dragon.
Her achievements include an Official Selection award at the 2024 International Photography Awards and finalist recognition in the Gomma Photography Grant and Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards.
With her work highlighted in The Guardian, CBS 42, and WHNT News 19, Hu bridges personal and universal experiences, encouraging viewers to find meaning in the beauty of life’s overlooked details.
Love
Archival pigment print
First
15” x 21”
Grandma Archival pigment print
36” x 48”
Kasia Idzkowska
Kasia Idzkowska is a New York City-based photographer known for her powerful documentary and portrait photography. She graduated from the Warsaw School of Photography and Graphic Design and her work combines artistic and commercial styles, creating visual stories with depth and meaning.
Her latest project focuses on Drag Queen performances, offering a thoughtful look at creativity, self-expression, and identity.
Through her photos, Idzkowska captures the energy of live performances, the detailed beauty of costumes, and the sense of community within drag culture.
She also highlights how drag promotes inclusivity and celebrates individuality across different groups.
Idzkowska’s photography has been featured in exhibitions around the world and published by well-known outlets such as Warner Music Poland, Agora Music, Smoke, and Eyecare Business Magazine. Idzkowska continues to redefine creative boundaries, producing striking and impactful imagery that resonates deeply with audiences.
Show Must Go On_Shequida Hall
Photograph on Fine art Ceramic Fibre Paper
23.5” x 15.5”
Show Must Go On_ Deeon Oxygen_ Berlin Photograph on Fine art Ceramic Fibre Paper
23.5” x 15.5”
Show Must Go On_ Deeon Oxygen
Photograph on Fine art Ceramic Fibre Paper
23.5” x 15.5”
Armineh Johannes
Armineh Johannes is a seasoned documentary/humanitarian photojournalist whose work is deeply rooted in storytelling and emotional connection.
Born in Tehran, Iran from Armenian parents, and later settling in France, Armineh began her photography journey in 1986, capturing the daily life of indigenous Berbers in the rugged beauty of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.
Her journey as an artist changed significantly in 1989 after her first visit to Armenia - the land of her forefathers . Since then she made several dozen trips to Armenia and Artsakh (N. Karabagh) documenting the lives, struggles, and resilience in Armenia, and Artsakh (N.Karabagh); she also works on photography projects in the Middle East and the former Soviet countries.
Armineh’s photography has been widely featured in esteemed publications such as Le Monde, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, The Washington Post, as well as numerous photography magazines around the world..
Her powerful photo essays, including her work on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, have earned her international acclaim, with accolades from the Magnum Photography Awards, VIEPA
Vinenna International Photo Award, Monochrome Awards and the Neutral Density Photography Awards.
Armineh has exhibited her work in countries like France, Portugal, and the United States, sharing her vision with audiences around the world. Through a mostly participatory approach in her photography,she creates thought-provoking images, and captures the raw emotions and authentic moments of the human spirit. Her photographs illustrate the connection she establishes with those being photographed, which defines her photography. Armineh is now ready to publish a photography book showcasing about 30 years of photography in Armenia and Artsakh (N. Karabagh).
Displaced from Artsakh/Karabagh - Stella and her sister are now living in Voskepar village of Armenia
Photograph on fine art paper
8” x 10”
Child During War in Karabagh
Photograph on fine art paper
8” x 10”
of a Combattant (from the Karabagh conflict) in Yerevan, Armenia
Funeral
Photograph on fine art paper
8” x 10”
Conflict- Comattants at Shahoumyan Airport in Northern Karabagh
on fine art paper
Karabagh
Photograph
8” x 10”
Lloyd Kimeldorf
Lloyd Kimeldorf is a photographer whose work spans a diverse range of themes, including conceptual pieces, portraits, performance art, and nudes.
Inspired by the innovative techniques of photographers like Helmut Newton, Sally Mann, and Man Ray, Kimeldorf creates images that depict unique moments within a broader, interpretive narrative.
His photography reflects a surrealist aesthetic that has evolved from his early experiences with filmmaking, particularly his dark short film Hostile Youth.
Kimeldorf’s portrait work includes his bold Naked Poet of poet Walt Curtis, which was acquired by the Portland Art Museum. His Office Goddess won “A Vision Honored” in 1999, and his Oldest Oak landscape study was selected for the “World in Focus” exhibit in Seattle.
His more recent work, such as Modern Day Ghost, earned the Cherry Picked Award at the Corvallis Art Center. With features in The New York Times and Rock Folk Paris, Kimeldorf continues to explore new narratives through his photographic collections, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.
Office Goddess
C-Type print on foamboard
18” x 18”
Christian Kleiman
Christian Kleiman is a Spanish fine art photographer renowned for his innovative approach to capturing the world from unique perspectives.
Starting his photographic journey in 2006 with a self-built remote-controlled camera system, Kleiman initially specialized in aerial photography, documenting sailing races with his “flying camera.”
Over time, he expanded his expertise to include 360 panoramic photography, pioneering the creation of 360 aerial panoramas—a technique mastered by only a few photographers at the time.
Kleiman spent eight years in Polynesia, working on his surreal concept series, What a Wonderful World, featuring unique locations in New Zealand and Fiji. Now based in the United Arab Emirates, he continues to create immersive and innovative visual projects.
His signature Tiny Planet concept transforms landscapes into captivating micro-worlds, inviting viewers to see the hidden landmarks of our fragile planet through a new and thoughtprovoking lens.
The Ruler “I Am, Creator of Planets” This image represents the Universal Laws taking into action. Fine Art print on Hahnemühle Baryta Satin
16” x 12”
Reflection “I wonder where I start, what can I do” This image represents the Visionary State. Fine Art print on Hahnemühle Baryta Satin
16” x 12”
The Artist “I Draw the Clouds” This image represents Creative Abilities. Fine Art print on Hahnemühle Baryta Satin
16” x 12”
Awe “I Bring Out the Water” This image represents the Spiritual Awakening. Fine Art print on hahnemühle baryta satin 16” x 12”
Aeolus “I Set the Air in Motion”
This image represents the Vital Breath of the Universe. Fine Art print on hahnemühle baryta satin
16” x 12”
The Water Bearer “I Germinate Seeds”
This image represents the Vital Breath of the Healer who bestows Water upon the Land. Fine Art print on Hahnemühle Baryta Satin 16” x 12”
This image represents Fertility and Growth. Fine Art print on hahnemühle baryta satin
Crescere “I Reap the Fruits”
16” x 12”
Dharma & Karma “I Admire the Vulnerable Beauty of my Work” This image represents the Cycle of Cause and Effect. Fine Art print on Hahnemühle Baryta Satin 16” x 12”
Spotting Scope “I Explore with Inspiration my New Creation” This image represents the Never-Ending Cycle. Fine Art print on Hahnemühle Baryta Satin 16” x 12”
Sonia Landau
Sonia Landau is an Argentine photographer whose work is deeply introspective, blending emotional depth with elements of mystery, peace, and whimsy.
Her photography evokes a sense of hidden stories and emotions, inviting viewers to explore what lies beyond the surface of each image.
Landau studied at the Escuela de Fotografía Creativa in Buenos Aires, where she developed her skills.
She has also attended many workshops on street photography, portraiture, nature, and more.
Landau’s work has been featured in several notable exhibitions, including the Holbox Gallery in Buenos Aires and Espacio García, as well as the 6th Chelsea International Photography Competition in New York.
Her series “Neblina” and “Autorretrato / Self Portrait” have garnered recognition, with her works selected and awarded in various contests, including multiple mentions in Fotorrevista contests.
Her self-portrait work, created through an automatic shooting process, captures her unique approach to balancing both the roles of photographer and model.
Self Portrait 2
C-Type Print on Foamboard 16” x 24”
Dennis Luckenbill
Dennis Luckenbill is a Pennsylvania-based photographer known for his ability to capture the unique moments that surround us every day.
Luckenbill graduated from California University in California, PA, and also studied at Claremont Graduate School in California, where he further refined his artistic vision.
His photography is guided by spontaneity and curiosity, focusing on shape, light, and the unexpected energy of a scene.
Luckenbill’s work has been featured in several exhibitions, including the Atlanta Photography Group’s “Tell A Story” exhibition and the South East Center for Photography’s “Abstraction” exhibition, where his images were showcased alongside other contemporary artists.
His photographs have also appeared in Black and White Photographic Magazine, with his work selected for multiple issues in 2023 and 2024.
Luckenbill’s photography offers a fresh perspective by isolating subjects from their context, allowing viewers to see the world in a new and often unexpected way.
#4, New York City, 2022
pigment print
Untitled
Archival
12” x 18”
Chelsea Mahlangu
Chelsea Mahlangu is a Zimbabwean visual artist whose photography explores the deep connections between memory, emotion, and humanity.
She graduated from the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography in South Africa and has participated in notable programs such as the VMLY&R ‘Youniverse’ Annual Student Showcase and The One Club for Creativity Bootcamp.
Her work has been featured in exhibitions like the Gaddiel Maps Art Exhibition (2024), and she is set to showcase her art at the 6th Annual Chelsea International Exhibition at Agora Gallery in 2025. Mahlangu’s art focuses on themes of nostalgia, memory, and history, encouraging viewers to reflect on shared human experiences.
In projects such as her series Catharsis, she creates a space for dialogue and healing, addressing difficult topics with a sense of hope and connection. Her work highlights the power of storytelling, fostering community while inspiring personal reflection and growth.
By connecting the past and present, Mahlangu’s photography transforms complex emotions into relatable stories that promote resilience and unity.
Mazoe
Felix Schoeller true fiber
23.5” x 33”
Zim Note
Felix Schoeller true fiber
23.5” x 33”
Heidi Margocsy
Heidi Margocsy is an Australian-born portrait photographer based in Northern California, known for her emotive and empowering imagery.
Her work focuses on celebrating the extraordinary in every individual, particularly within the LGBTQI+ community, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, artists, and entertainers worldwide.
With a deep belief in the power of portraiture to reflect and elevate personal narratives, Margocsy’s images create profound connections, enabling subjects to feel seen and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Margocsy’s work has been showcased globally, with exhibitions in the U.S., U.K., Europe, and Australia.
She has received numerous accolades, including being named 2024 International Portrait Photographer of the Year by the Australian Photographic Prize and receiving Best In Show at the Visionary Awards.
Margocsy’s combination of intuition and theatrical experience creates portraits that capture depth, emotion, and authenticity. Her work helps individuals embrace who they are and share their stories with the world.
Print on framed canvas
21.5” x 31.5”
Kindred Print on framed canvas
19.5” x 25.5”
Solace
Print on framed canvas
21.5” x 17.5”
Ilaria Miani
Ilaria Miani is a self-taught Italian photographer who focuses on capturing communities that preserve their traditions in the face of globalization.
Specializing in photojournalism and culture, her work has been featured in several renowned exhibitions, including the 69th International Film Festival in Venice, the Maha Kumbh Mela in India, and group shows in Paris, Milan, and New York.
Her photographs offer a powerful glimpse into the lives of people striving to maintain their cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.
Miani’s work has been recognized in international photography competitions. She won Bronze at the Budapest International Foto Award and first place in the photojournalist category at the World Master of Photography, both in 2024.
She also won the Boynes Artist Award and placed third in the WPE International Photographers Award for Photojournalism in 2023. Through her photography, Miani aims to amplify the voices of these communities and preserve their stories for future generations.
The Little Shepherd C-Type Print on Foamboard
12” x 18”
Cheryl Miller
Cheryl Miller is a photographer whose work spans over 40 years, documenting the everyday lives of African Americans through a lens of positivity and reliability.
Her black-and-white photographs capture the simplicity and beauty of ordinary moments, emphasizing the interplay of highlights and shadows to explore the human condition.
Using traditional darkroom techniques, Miller’s consistent approach has created a distinct and recognizable style.
Her work has been exhibited internationally and is part of prestigious collections, including the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Schomburg Center for Black Culture and Research.
With a focus on creating textured, high-contrast images, Miller’s art invites viewers to find beauty and connection in the simplicity of everyday moments.
Burnin’ Hair, Jamaica, NY, 1989
on fine art paper
Photograph
20” x 30”
Back Yard Party, Aunties and a Bud, Jamaica, NY, 1990
Photograph on fine art paper
20” x 30”
Mark Moskowitz
Gazelle Pezeshkmehr is a Norwegian visual artist whose staged and conceptual photography delves into the complexities of the human psyche.
Drawing from her training at the Academy of Fine Arts in the Netherlands and Einar Granum College of Fine Arts in Norway, Pezeshkmehr creates surreal, meticulously crafted worlds that blur the lines between dreams and reality.
Her evocative work explores themes of trauma, identity, and emotional resilience, using symbolic props and layered compositions to challenge societal stigmas and spark introspection.
Pezeshkmehr’s photography has been showcased internationally, with solo exhibitions at Gallery Klevjer in Norway and Wies Van Der Star Studio in the Netherlands, as well as group shows at the Judith Wright Arts Centre in Australia and Oslo’s Gamle Munch Museum.
She has received recognition from the International Photography Awards and One Eyeland Fine Art Awards. Pezeshkmehr’s work encourages viewers to reflect on their emotions, blending poetic elements with surreal imagery.
Water Fall
Archival pigment print
18” x 12”
Gazelle Pezeshkmehr
Gazelle Pezeshkmehr is a Norwegian visual artist whose staged and conceptual photography delves into the complexities of the human psyche.
Drawing from her training at the Academy of Fine Arts in the Netherlands and Einar Granum College of Fine Arts in Norway, Pezeshkmehr creates surreal, meticulously crafted worlds that blur the lines between dreams and reality.
Her evocative work explores themes of trauma, identity, and emotional resilience, using symbolic props and layered compositions to challenge societal stigmas and spark introspection.
Pezeshkmehr’s photography has been showcased internationally, with solo exhibitions at Gallery Klevjer in Norway and Wies Van Der Star Studio in the Netherlands, as well as group shows at the Judith Wright Arts Centre in Australia and Oslo’s Gamle Munch Museum.
She has received recognition from the International Photography Awards and One Eyeland Fine Art Awards. Pezeshkmehr’s work encourages viewers to reflect on their emotions, blending poetic elements with surreal imagery.
The Healer
Photograph on hahnemühle paper
39.5” x 39.5”
The Incubus Slayer
Photograph on hahnemühle paper
39.5” x 39.5”
John Pfisterer
John Pfisterer is a Long Island-based underwater photographer with over 5,000 hours of scuba diving experience in diverse locations, including the Caribbean, South Pacific, and Central America.
Combining his technical expertise as an electrical engineer with his passion for photography, Pfisterer creates fine art by blending landscape and fashion photography techniques with underwater elements.
His deep knowledge of lighting, especially in underwater environments, enables him to apply studio lighting techniques below the surface, creating stunning and otherworldly images.
Pfisterer’s work was recognized in the 2024 Underwater Photographer of the Year contest and showcased at the Bay Area Friends of Fine Arts gallery. His photography combines the movement of water with the human form, creating dreamlike images that explore themes like freedom, serenity, and the connection between humans and nature.
Influenced by 19th-century painters and modern underwater photographers, Pfisterer continues to capture the beauty of the underwater world through his evocative photos
Underwater Study #222
Photograph on hahnemühle paper 12” x 18”
Syndi Pilar
Syndi Pilar is a New York City-based street photographer known for her captivating images of both the stillness and energy of urban life.
With an MFA in photography from the School of Visual Arts and a career as an Emmy Awardwinning TV video editor, Pilar blends her technical expertise with a keen artistic eye.
Her photography journey, reignited during the 2020 pandemic, has since focused on capturing the dynamic chaos of crowds and gatherings, transforming these fleeting moments into powerful visual narratives.
Her work has been showcased in several group exhibitions, including The ICP Concerned show in New York and the Women Street Photographers annual exhibits in 2021 and 2023.
Pilar’s skills earned her third place in LensCulture’s Street Photography competition in 2024 and a spot in the Missouri Photo Workshop’s 76th edition.
Pilar’s images are full of activity, with each frame centered around a small gesture, glance, or moment of connection. This invite viewers to appreciate the beauty in the complexity of human interaction.
Bike Kill 19, Red Hook
C-Type print on foamboard
12” x 18”
Michael Potts
Michael Potts, also known as MRP Visionaries, is a portrait artist and minimalist photographer based in Arizona.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Potts brings a unique perspective to his work, focusing on real moments of people doing what they love.
His minimalist approach is shaped by his preference for working with the subject, the camera, and available light, which allows him to keep his setup simple and direct.
With a background in English and Chemistry from Bucknell University, Potts works as a nuclear medicine technologist, which allows him the flexibility to pursue photography without financial constraints.
His artistic journey is deeply influenced by water, introspection, and the theme of emerging from darkness into light.
These elements are central to his creative work, symbolizing renewal and a connection with the spirit. Potts’s portraits encourage viewers to pause and reflect, using light and water to create strong emotional connections.
Kaela
C-Type print on foamboard 18” x 12”
Joy Saha
Joy Saha is a Bangladeshi photographer and visual journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of human life and environmental challenges.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a wealth of experience in documentary photography, Saha’s images powerfully address critical global issues such as climate change, human rights, and social justice.
His photography has been published in over 100 well-known outlets, including The Guardian, TIME, and National Geographic.
As a contributor to ZUMA Press, Saha has earned numerous accolades, including the Xposure International Photography Award.
His work vividly portrays the resilience of communities facing adversity, from flood-stricken areas to laborers working in industrial landscapes. Through his lens, Saha captures profound narratives that inspire empathy and action.
For him, photography is more than art - it is a way to advocate for a sustainable future and encourage collective responsibility. His work sparks conversation and inspires change worldwide.
C-Type print on formboard
Childhood
12” x 18”
Lisa Saltzman
New York City-based photographer Lisa Saltzman is known for her emotionally powerful and visually distinct street photography. Inspired by Impressionism, Cubism, and abstract art, her work delves into the human experience and the fleeting moments of daily city life.
Saltzman holds a BA in Psychology from NYU and has completed certifications at Christie’s and the International Center of Photography. Her photography has received numerous awards and has been showcased in exhibitions across the globe.
Beyond her photography, Saltzman plays an active role in the photography community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the American Photographic Artists and the Center of Photography at Woodstock (CPW), where she established The Saltzman Prize to support emerging photographers.
Saltzman specializes in black-and-white images that emphasize the temporary and anonymous nature of street life.
Using motion and exposure techniques, she creates dreamlike, sculptural qualities that bring a unique perspective to her subjects.
Broken Psyche 1
Photograph on fine art paper
14” x 9.5”
City Anonymity 2
on fine art paper
Photograph
14” x 9.5”
City Anonymity 1
Photograph on fine art paper 14” x 9.5”
Paolo Saracco
Alzheimer Portrait N. 4 C-Type print on foamboard 12” x 12”
Paul Tillinghast
Paul Tillinghast, a commercial photographer and artist based in New York City, has been capturing the world through his lens since his teenage years.
Born in 1954 in Bristol, Connecticut, Tillinghast is self-taught and has developed a distinct style that combines his love for nature with his artistic vision.
His earlier black and white prints are part of collections at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Erie Art Museum in Pennsylvania.
Tillinghast currently exhibits his work at Marion Royael Gallery in Beacon, New York.
Tillinghast’s latest work blends foliage from Florida with mermaids photographed at the famous Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
Through Photoshop, he combines multiple elements into one image, creating fantastical creatures he calls “Queens of the Birds” or “Grass, Water.” His process is intuitive, adding one image element at a time until the final artwork features up to 15 different layers. Though digital, Tillinghast’s work remains purely creative with no use of AI.
Little Bird Queen
Photograph on fine art paper
38” x 30”
Queen of the Grass
Photograph on fine art paper
38” x 30”
Jason Ward
Jason Ward is a Los Angeles-based documentary, street, and studio photographer whose work is known for its sardonic humor and absurdity.
With an MFA in photography from CalArts, Ward explores the nuances of personal identity through unflattering and often awkward portraits.
His photographs take inspiration from everything from cheesy stock photography to the selfconsciousness of prom pictures, with a keen eye for visual tools that express the absurdities of identity in today’s society.
Ward’s work frequently subverts expectations by pairing familiar archetypes with unexpected or nonsensical juxtapositions, encouraging viewers to reconsider their assumptions about personal identity and societal norms.
In a time marked by avatar identities, polarized divisions, and irrational ideologies, Ward’s portraits offer a pointed commentary on the distorted and flattened representations of people in modern visual culture.
Archival pigment print
Paisley
18” x 12”
Irene Wolpert
Irene Wolpert is a fine arts photographer based in New York City, focusing on identity, relationships, and domestic life themes. Her passion for photography began in her youth, developing film and printing photographs in her home darkroom, and grew into a successful career.
She graduated from the International Center of Photography’s Advanced Track Program, Brandeis University (BA), and The Wharton School (MBA), combining technical skills with a strong creative vision.
Wolpert’s series In My Place examines female identity and the spaces women occupy, using her own body in domestic settings to challenge traditional roles with humor and absurdity.
Her work has earned recognition through awards from the Soho Photo Gallery National Competition, the New York Center for Photographic Art, and the Pollux Awards. She has exhibited internationally, captivating audiences with her thought-provoking storytelling.
Incident C-Type print
The
on foamboard 12” x 18”
Gallery hopping in New York
Agora Gallery is located within the heart of the Chelsea Arts District with available hours from Tuesday – Saturday 11 am - 6 pm.
Opening receptions are held once a month, giving you the opportunity to meet the artists and view a variety of original artwork. Visit our website and subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date on all events and happenings – www.Agora-Gallery.com/mailinglist
