Ryan McGinley American, b. 17/10/1977
Born 1977, Ramsey, New Jersey, Ryan McGinley is one of the most influential photographers of his generation, celebrated for his vibrant, poetic images that capture the spirit of youth, freedom, and adventure. Emerging from New York’s downtown art scene in the late 1990s, McGinley’s early work documented his friends and creative community, earning him a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art at just 25 years old.
Over the past two decades, McGinley’s practice has evolved from spontaneous snapshots to meticulously crafted photographs—often featuring groups of friends and collaborators immersed in nature or staged in colorful studio settings. His iconic images blend intimacy and exuberance, inviting viewers into a world where beauty, vulnerability, and joy coexist.
McGinley’s work is held in major museum collections worldwide, and his influence continues to shape the language of contemporary photography.