An American photographer based out of New York City, ADAM NADEL works at the intersections of journalism, science, and human rights. During the pandemic, Adam has been experimenting with tintypes, applying the antique photographic portraiture to inanimate objects. Tintypes are created by exposing photos on a sheet of blackened iron metal. When underexposed negative images come in contact with the developing solution, they appear as contrasted positive images. The wet collodion processes can capture microscopic details. The high-definition look of exposed flaws and imperfections invites a certain intimacy. At the same time, the ghostly aesthetic of tintypes lends a timeless quality that keeps us at a distance. The familiar becomes haunted. In this series of childhood toys, the comfort of recognition is offset by a sense of unease, a reluctance to enter into these tales of make believe.  

 

Adam's honors and awards include: First Prize at World Press Photo (Sports Feature 2003, Portrait Story 2004) First Place at Pictures of the Year International (News Picture Story 2002, Campaign Picture Story 2004, Portrait Story 2010, and Judges’ Special Recognition World Understanding Award 2010), a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Photography (2006, 2013), a Pulitzer Nomination; New York Times – The Face and Voice of Civilian Sacrifice in Iraq (2006), first prize at the Project Competition at the Santa Fe’s Center (2006), National Science Foundation funding (2011), a Magnum Foundation Emergency Grant (2012), and the AIRIE Residency (2013), among others, and over two dozen exhibitions around the world in locations such as Chicago’s Field Museum, Hotel de Ville, Paris, and the UN Headquarters.