Ishmael Claxton is a Dublin-based fine artist and photographer known for his bold, eclectic, and thought-provoking work. Born in New York City, Claxton’s journey as an artist has taken him from the bustling streets of his hometown to the vibrant art scenes of Florida, North Carolina, Texas, California, the Caribbean, Berlin, Paris, and now Ireland. His photography blends elements of Italian Futurism, surrealism, and Afro-Futurist imaginaries, creating a unique visual language that explores themes of race, gender, class, and identity.
At the heart of Claxton’s work is a commitment to connection – both personal and cultural. His background in mathematics, art history, history, set design, and costume design allows him to weave complex narratives through his images, using color, texture, and form to create deeply evocative works. His art has been showcased in galleries and publications across Japan, the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States, including notable collections such as The Montreal Nude Collective, City of New York Baco Collective, The Brecht Forum Gallery, and The Living Gallery.
This June, Claxton will be one of the six featured artists at Collectiva, a group exhibition hosted by Pinocchio Magazine, Radio Irlanda, and the Italian Institute of Culture at the Italian Institute of Culture in Dublin. Collectiva will feature three painters and three photographers, offering a dynamic exploration of contemporary visual expression.
In the words of Pinocchio Magazine: “Ishmael pushes the boundaries of photography, mixing techniques, colors, textures, shapes, lines, figures, objects, landscapes, and bodies to develop a personal language able to give shape to his innerself eclectic world. On one side, he projects his true inner self, while at the same time creating a visual space for the viewer to build their own personal parallel dimension. Playful, deep, insightful, liberating, and joyful.”
Claxton’s upcoming projects include exhibitions at the RHA annual show at the end of May, the Santa Fe Centre show in June, the Photo Ireland Editions Award launch at the end of June, and a curated show at GalleryX in July titled “Refused (Dhiúltaigh).” In addition, his work will be featured at the Open Call Arles 2025 in July and the AIR residency at the Photo Museum show in August.
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