Ishmael Claxton

Ishmael is a New York-born photographer now based in Dublin for over a decade, who has embraced photography as a profound tool for expression. Known for his thought-provoking themes, Ishmael has earned recognition as a visual artist whose work confronts critical societal issues.

Through acclaimed series like Migration/Integration and Capall Gang, Ishmael invites audiences to reflect deeply, using his art as a mirror to an ever-changing world.

As a co-founder of the Iova Group, a collective dedicated to elevating the voices of image-makers, Ishmael has been instrumental in shaping Ireland’s photography community. The group has organised three Culture Night group exhibitions and numerous events, including presentations and gallery visits, fostering collaboration and growth among photographers.

Ishmael’s work has been widely exhibited all over Ireland and internationally and his accolades include being awarded the Artist-in-Residence program at the Irish Photo Museum, the TLP Book Award for Dead Zoo in Blue (2024), and shortlisting for both the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize and the Royal Society of Photography Portrait Award in 2024.