Atlas of the Present: Collage and Photography Today – Virtual
Feb 19, 2026 – May 19, 2026
At the moment that photographic discourse revolved around artificially generated images, we saw an important and decisive return to photographic processes that necessitate the human hand and eye, and, significantly, photo-based collages. This exhibition highlights collages as a critical creative tool and a lens through which to consider this moment.
Top Prize Winners
1st Place: Rebecca Dietrich
2nd Place: Mélina Bismuth
3rd Place: Michael S Cohen
Honorable Mentions
Karen Elizabeth Baker, Pamela Beck, Ellen Cantor, Jennifer Cantwell, Tom Crawford, Nadide Goksun, Shira Gold, Maxwell Harvey-Sampson, Catherine Hawthorn, Susan Isaacson, Catherine Ruby Just, Adam Newman, Olga Nikishova, Sandra Pike, Allison Plass, Michael G. Prais, Lisa Redburn, Larry Shapiro, Richard Stanley, Arlene Vidor, Yixu Wang, Gaelle S. Warner, J. Marcus Weekley, Rusty Weston, Naomi White, Chengbin Zhang
Juror & Curator
Paris Chong, Gallery Director, Leica Gallery
Opening Reception (Virtual)
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 12 pm – 1 pm PST on Zoom RSVP HERE
Exhibition Run Dates (Virtual)
February 19, 2026 – May 19, 2026
About
As 2025 drew to a close, one of the most significant issues that occupied photographic discourse revolved around the use and ubiquitous presence of artificial intelligence, and, specifically, artificially generated images. This had been a transformative year in the world of image-making. Of the most interesting responses to this moment had been the return to photographic processes that necessitate the human hand and eye, and, significantly, photo-based collages. With their layered physical presence and unexpected encounters of images, or images and texts, collages continue to expand and extend photographic discourse, as well as the relationship between artists and their viewers.
The Juror
Paris Chong is the Gallery Director of the prestigious Leica Gallery Los Angeles. With over two decades of experience as a Curator she has represented galleries and artists in events including Photo LA, Photo SF, Paris Photo, Paris Photo LA, The Palm Springs Photo Festival in addition to promoting Leica Gallery Los Angeles at international shows such as Art Basel and Photo Paris. Ms. Chong has also served as a respected and sought-after portfolio reviewer for The IPA Photo Awards, Fresh Look, Photoville, The Palm Springs Photo Festival and the ongoing Meet the Curator portfolio reviews for Leica Akademie USA.
Juror Statement
As a juror, I found Atlas of the Present to be a deeply engaging and rewarding exhibition. The works presented demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of collage as both a conceptual and visual language, using photography to map memory, identity, place, and emotion. Each artist approached fragmentation with intention—layering images in ways that felt purposeful rather than decorative. What stood out most was the dialogue created across the exhibition; individual pieces felt strong on their own while also contributing to a larger collective narrative. I have loved collage since I was a young girl and it was refreshing to see all of the art presented in such unique and thougtful ways. Atlas succeeded in feeling expansive yet intimate, and it was a genuine pleasure to spend time with all of the work.
Features
Atlas of the Present: Collage and Photography Today will feature the following FREE events and happenings:
- Virtual In-Person opening reception, Thursday, February 19, 2026, 12 pm – 1 pm PST on Zoom RSVP HERE
Price Sheet and Instructions for Purchasing Artwork
Download/view price sheet HERE.
Interested in purchasing artwork? Please email info@lacphoto.org and a representative will contact you ASAP. Thank you!
For questions please email info@lacphoto.org