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PhotoWork Foundation

Ocean Vuong

Ocean Vuong, poet, essayist, novelist, educator, and photographer, joins PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf for an in-depth conversation about his solo photography exhibition Sống and the accompanying photobook, presented at CPW. In this episode, Vuong reflects on storytelling across mediums, creative practice, and the discipline behind writing and photography. Drawing from his life experience, he speaks candidly about process, vulnerability, and the courage required to share work publicly. This episode offers grounded insight for artists who question their creative voice or the value of presenting their work.

Alejandro Cartagena

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Alejandro Cartagena returns to discuss his mid-career solo exhibition Ground Rules at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, along with the accompanying book published by Aperture. Alejandro and Sasha dig into how both the exhibition and the book came together, from concept to execution. He also reflects on the lasting impact of his seminal project Carpoolers, and how it shaped his thinking around photography, technology, and intent. The conversation expands to the broader cultural stakes of the medium, including Alejandro’s recent investigations into AI-generated imagery.

Announcing the 2026 PhotoWork Junior Fellows

Introducing the 2026 PhotoWork Junior Fellows. From January through June, six emerging photographers will develop a body of work under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, refining their artistic voices and clarifying their vision.

Celebrating the 2025 PhotoWork Senior Fellows

We are pleased to announce the conclusion of the 2025 PhotoWork Senior Fellowship. Over six months, Fellows worked closely with their dedicated advisors to adapt a personal photographic project into the photo book format. Through focused mentorship, they engaged deeply with the practical and conceptual considerations of photo book production, including editing, design, printing, and publishing, culminating in a maquette of their book project.

José Ibarra Rizo

Atlanta, Georgia | Advisor: Ron Jude José Ibarra Rizo (American, born Mexico, b. 1992) is a lens-based artist based in Atlanta, GA. His work explores cultural memory, migration, and identity, with a focus on the migrant experience in the American South. He was awarded the inaugural… Read More »José Ibarra Rizo

Will Matsuda

Portland, Oregon | Advisor: Raymond Meeks Will Matsuda (b. 1993) is a Japanese American photographer and writer focusing on his culture, his family, and the environment. His work has appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic, and The New Yorker, among many other publications. A… Read More »Will Matsuda

Michelle Arcila

Brooklyn, New York | Advisor: Kristine Potter Michelle Arcila is a Costa Rican/American photographer living and working in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 2002 with a BFA in photography. Her work primarily focuses on family, motherhood, bicultural identity, and… Read More »Michelle Arcila

Nelson Chan

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha is joined by photographer, publisher, editor, and educator Nelson Chan. Together, they trace the winding path that led Nelson to his dream job as a professor at the Rhode Island School of Design. Along the way, Nelson reflects on the “guardian angels” who helped him stay the course, the openness that allowed unexpected opportunities to shape his trajectory, and the community of friends and collaborators who eventually inspired the founding of TIS Books. Sasha and Nelson also talk about the value of building connections, putting yourself out there, and treating your career as a marathon rather than a sprint.