In his pioneering book Face Time: A History of the Photographic Portrait, writer and curator Phillip Prodger states: “A great portrait is a psychological exploration, an artistic journey into a person’s heart and soul.” It’s a perfect summary of the power of the camera to go beneath the surface, going beyond a simple snapshot to explore representation, visibility and identity. The artists featured in the Aesthetica Art Prize 2026 longlist create works that undoubtedly make this journey into the very essence of the sitter. Some images reveal the complexities of the human psyche, making the invisible, visible, whilst others draw from distinct cultural ideas of belonging and selfhood, or play with the boundary between perception and reality.  

Renowned for his striking compositions and vivid, saturated colours, Tobias Meier captivates viewers through intricate details and bold visual narratives. Meier uses photography to tell compelling stories, blending surrealism with pop-art aesthetics across fashion, beauty and advertising. He approaches image-making like a painter’s craft – shaping moments and creating immersive worlds that “flood the viewer’s eyes with beauty.” His pictures are designed not only to inspire, but also to provoke thoughtful reflection.

Athens-based self-portrait artist Foteini Zaglara delves into identity, emotion and global issues through fantasy and surrealist photography. Drawing on a background in Early Childhood Education from the University of Ioannina, her work crafts intricate visual narratives that reveal the complexities of the human psyche. Serving as both subject and storyteller, Zaglara creates evocative and emotionally charged images. Her distinctive style and thematic richness have garnered international exhibitions and accolades.

Venezuelan-British photographer Joel Rodriguez crafts cinematic images that fuse fashion, portraiture, and documentary to probe identity, culture and surreal narratives. His raw yet refined style channels emotional depth and bold storytelling, drawing inspiration from cinema’s visual language. Rodriguez’s work challenges conventional perceptions while inviting reflection on the complexities of human experience. He creates compelling visual stories that explore the intersections of personal and cultural identity.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström draws on her experiences across Africa, North America and Europe to explore cultural complexity through visual storytelling. Her ÅFRÖSWÈ̩DÉ̩ project celebrates identity integration, challenging the limitations of assimilation. The Nigerian-American-Swedish artist fosters cultural understanding by representing the nature of belonging and selfhood. The artist was named one of eight Hasselblad Heroines, and her work has appeared in BBC, National Geographic and New York Times. 

Stephanie O’Connor is a photographic artist from Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (New Zealand), now based in Berlin. Her artistic practice involves careful editing and grading to blur the lines between reality and simulacrum. The images she creates often evoke imagined sites that explore themes of belonging, imagination and remembrance. Through her work, O’Connor reflects on the phenomenological experience of memory, inviting viewers to engage with the fluid boundaries between perception and reality.

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Words: Emma Jacob

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Image Credits:

1&6. Image courtesy of Stephanie O’Connor.
2. Image courtesy of Tobias Meier.
3. Image courtesy of Foteini Zaglara.
4. Image courtesy of Joel Rodriguez.
5. Image courtesy of Lola Akinmade Åkerström.