The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City is set to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its renowned New Photography series with the groundbreaking exhibition, “New Photography 2025: Lines of Belonging.” This highly anticipated show will run from September 14, 2025, to January 17, 2026, showcasing innovative works from 13 international artists and collectives who challenge traditional photographic narratives and explore themes of identity, community, and belonging.
Exploring the Concept of Belonging Through Photography
This edition of New Photography places a strong emphasis on how personal narratives intertwine with structural, environmental, and colonial histories. The participating artists, hailing from cities such as Johannesburg, Kathmandu, New Orleans, and Mexico City, use photography as a medium to reimagine the connections between individuals and their communities. Through their unique visual approaches, they present perspectives on heritage, displacement, and cultural identity.
Featured Artists and Their Perspectives
MoMA has carefully selected 13 photographers and collectives who represent diverse artistic backgrounds and cultures. Some of the standout participants include:
- Gabrielle Goliath, Lebohang Kganye, Sabelo Mlangeni, and Lindokuhle Sobekwa (Johannesburg) – These artists focus on intergenerational memory and historical narratives within South Africa.
- Nepal Picture Library, Sheelasha Rajbhandari, and Prasiit Sthapit (Kathmandu) – Their work reinterprets archival photography to challenge mainstream historical accounts.
- L. Kasimu Harris, Renee Royale, and Gabrielle Garcia Steib (New Orleans) – Their projects explore personal and political intersections within the Southern U.S. photography scene.
- Sandra Blow, Tania Franco Klein, and Lake Verea (Francisca Rivero-Lake & Carla Verea) (Mexico City) – These photographers use their art to examine urban identity and migration within Latin America.
Tania Franco Klein. Mirrored Table, Person (Subject #14) from Subject Studies: Chapter 1. 2022. Inkjet print. 29 1/2 × 39 1/2″ (74.9 × 100.3 cm). © 2024 Tania Franco Klein. Courtesy the artist
Gabrielle Goliath. Berenice 29–39 (detail). Eleven inkjet prints. Each 35 7/16 × 35 7/16″ (90 × 90 cm). © 2034 Gabrielle Goliath. Photo: Martin Parsekian
Lindokuhle Sobekwa. Tell it to the Mountains. 2020. Installation view at A4 Art Foundation, South Africa, December 2020. © 2024 Lindokuhle Sobekwa. Courtesy the artist
Renee Royale. River at Chalmette Battlefield (Fazendeville) from Landscapes of Matter. 2023. © 2024 Renee Royale. Courtesy the artist
The Legacy of MoMA’s New Photography Series
Since its inception in 1985, MoMA’s New Photography series has served as a platform for emerging photographers to present innovative and thought-provoking work. This 40th-anniversary edition continues that tradition, introducing audiences to fresh voices in contemporary photography who are redefining the medium’s boundaries.
Exhibition Details
- Dates: September 14, 2025 – January 17, 2026
- Location: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), 11 West 53 Street, New York, NY 10019
- More Information: Official MoMA Exhibition Page
For those passionate about photography, culture, and identity, New Photography 2025: Lines of Belonging is a must-see exhibition that promises to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Visit MoMA’s official website for updates and ticket information.
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