Ryan McGinley

Ryan McGinley is an American photographer known for his vibrant and candid images that capture the freedom and spontaneity of youth. Born in 1977 in Ramsey, New Jersey, McGinley emerged as a prominent figure in contemporary photography in the early 2000s, quickly gaining recognition for his unique and evocative style. His work explores themes of youth, freedom and the natural world, blending elements of documentary photography with a more stylised approach.

McGinley began taking photographs in 1998, while he was a graphic design student at Parsons School of Design in New York. The death of his older brother, due to AIDS-related complications, made a significant impact on his life and work. McGinley also cites the skateboarders, punk musicians and street artists he grew up around as influences.

The photographer first gained widespread attention with his 2003 solo exhibition The Kids Are Alright at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, where he became one of the youngest artists ever to have a solo show at the museum. This series of portraits of his friends and artists in downtown New York, capturing a raw and unfiltered vision of youth culture.

McGinley's early work was primarily shot on 35mm film and using Yashica T4s and Leica R8s. Since 2004, McGinley’s style has evolved from documenting his friends in real-life situations towards creating orchestrated scenes under his creative direction. He casts his subjects at rock ‘n’ roll festivals, art schools, street castings in cities and in the vast American landscape.

In 2009, McGinley returned to the studio and began experimenting within the confines of traditional studio portraiture. By 2010, he has shifted to an entirely digital photography practice. He has exhibited widely in New York, Amsterdam, San Francisco and Seoul. He has photographed musicians for album artwork, worked in fashion editorial and advertising, and contributed to The New York Times Magazine. McGinley now lives and works in New York.