Traditional methods in photography, while revered, are practiced by a handful of creatives. Pursuing such methods requires time, knowledge, immense patience, dedication, and passion. One of the few who have continued to strive and succeed in using such approaches is Rafael Fuchs, a renowned Brooklyn-based photographer and multimedia artist who is now hosting a solo exhibit. Here’s what you can expect.
All the images are by Rafael Fuchs, courtesy of AHA Underground. Used with permission.
Titled Chemical Attraction, the exhibit will feature his well-known portraits of supermodels, celebrities, and cultural figures. Born in Tel Aviv, Rafael Fuchs moved to New York City in 1985, quickly gaining attention for his self-portrait series and inventive approach to photography. Over the next 40 years, the photographers continue to photograph icons such as Beyoncé, Cindy Crawford, Frank Stella, and J.K. Rowling. His works continue to push photographic boundaries while also offering an emotional depth to his work. What makes the approach so unique is that his artworks are striking, showcasing his creativity and ingenuity.
In the showcase, visitors will also see his significant series, such as Bushwick Forever and the Landlord Series. Known for innovative mixed-media collages, Rafael often uses photography and painting to explore themes of migration, hope, and reconciliation. Rafael will also exhibit analog works from the 1990s and recent mixed-media collages that bridge photography and painting as part of his exhibition. One of the highlights of Chemical Attraction is an image created between 1991 – 2025, which traces its origins back to his Alphabet City apartment. It was 1991 when Rafael chose to take a different approach to the darkroom process and used a brush to apply his developer instead of immersing the paper in liquid. This resulted in a magical painting-like appeal to the portraits. This helped him shift his technique and urged the photographer to pursue his creativity with newfound freedom.
In addition, visitors will also see Edythe (wearing Andre Walker’s chiffon hair scarf) from 2007-2019 on display; this photograph is a modern-day Caravaggio-esque portrait created with dramatic chiaroscuro light. One sees Raphael’s ingenuity as he skillfully merges Renaissance-era aesthetics with contemporary fashion photography. The creator further revealed that the image was inspired by his experiences working with fashion designer Andre Walker.
Lastly, the exhibit will also showcase Then the Bird Flew (Liz in the Tub) (2019) from his Change of Seasons series. This image is a collection of vibrant and imaginative mixed-media collages that blend personal narrative with global visual landscapes. On closer inspection, one can see the themes of hope, migration, and reconciliation. Rafael once said that such works have been influenced by his travels and encounters with different cultures.
There is so much to learn from Rafael. Any young photographer who is interested in portraiture or fashion photography must attend the show. Not only will they see a huge difference in the visual language of then and now, but they will also learn how to constantly push boundaries for themselves. Try something new, even if you fail. That is the only way to flourish and create work that is unique and holds value long after you are gone. It took Rafael 40 years to perfect the stage he is at today, and if you start now, you can achieve success soon, too.
Rafael Fuchs’ Chemical Attraction will be on display at the AHA Underground in Manhattan until 9 February. For more information, visit the AHA Underground website.