Every photograph enters into conversation with countless others. Images inherit visual traditions, borrow forms, reject conventions, and respond to histories that sometimes remain unseen. Emerging artists occupy a particularly interesting position within this continuum. They are close enough to inherited languages to recognise them, and distant enough to question them. The works in this issue introduce new rhythms, unfamiliar perspectives, and unexpected connections. They remind us that photography remains a living practice, shaped those willing to reimagine it.

Now in its second year, the Photoworks Emerging Talent 2026 received more than 1,300 submissions from around the world. Each submission was initially reviewed by the Photoworks team, who carefully considered the work and compiled a longlist. The final selection was made by Emma Bowkett, Director of Photography at the Financial Times; Louise Fedotov-Clements, Director at Photoworks; Fernanda Prado Verčič, Founding Director of Kranj Foto Fest; Maryam Wahid, Head of Programs and Outreach at Tasweer Photo Festival; and Amin Yousefi, Assistant Curator and Editor of Photography+.

They chose ten projects for the quality of their narratives, the distinctiveness of their work, the creative approach within each project, and their potential to engage audiences across a variety of contexts. Ten artists were selected: Léa Chen (TW/UK), Cseke Tamás (HU), Angus Fayers (UK), Joel Jimenez Jara (CR), Grace Tenneh Kromah (US), Grace Martella (IT), Alice Poyzer (UK), Paula Elena Ramos (ES), Diana Sosnowska (IT/PL/US), Farhad Yasavoli (IR/UK). Two of the artists also received special prizes. Lea Chen was awarded a one-year Photoworks membership and mentoring from our curatorial and editorial teams. Alice Poyzer received a printing voucher and an Instagram takeover from our partner, Spectrum Photographic. This issue features a comprehensive essay by Nienke Coers, one of our 2026 writers in residence, who explores the work of this year’s winners. Nienke examines how photography operates as a method of critical inquiry, tracing how knowledge is carried, questioned, and transformed through image-making.

We would like to thank everyone who applied for this opportunity. We know how much time, thought, and care go into preparing and sharing work, and we are grateful to everyone who submitted. Selecting just ten projects was incredibly difficult. Many of the submissions were thoughtful, urgent, and deserving attention. Our thanks go to the jurors for the care and consideration they brought to the selection process. We are also grateful to the Photoworks team, Arts Council England, our printing partners at Spectrum Photographic, and the wider community whose continued support makes this work possible.

Each year brings new voices and reminds us that photography remains a space for discovery, experimentation, and unexpected perspectives.

Editor
Amin Yousefi