Generation Z Photographers Take the Spotlight in New Exhibition
January 17, 2026
A groundbreaking exhibition is currently showcasing the talents of Generation Z photographers, delving into the unique themes and viewpoints that characterize the creative expressions of this dynamic generation.
Running through February 2026, the exhibit titled "Gen Z: Shaping a New Gaze" (https://elysee.ch/en/exhibitions/gen-z/) at Photo Elysée in Lausanne, Switzerland, features the work of 66 photographers who were born between the mid-1990s and 2010, hailing from various parts of the globe. This exhibition emphasizes how this generation not only questions established norms but also challenges traditional conventions while redefining their roles in an ever-evolving world.
By sharing personal narratives, exploring diverse identities, reimagining familial connections, and sensitively examining themes of body image and gender, the exhibition uncovers how Gen Z articulates a wide array of perspectives. These artists are vocal about their need for representation and express their desire to be heard amid a tumultuous global landscape.
Co-curator Hannah Pröbsting expressed in an interview with Dazed, "I certainly do not want to claim that you can come in and understand the generation with this exhibition. That is definitely not the case. But we do feel that the people who don’t expect to be moved are moved. And I think if there’s one thing that I want people to take away, from a photography point of view, it’s that this generation has complete agency over telling their own story" (https://www.dazeddigital.com/art-photography/article/69373/1/gen-z-shaping-new-gaze-photography-exhibition-photo-elysee-switzerland).
The exhibition offers a deep and immersive exploration of the pressing issues that define Generation Z through the lens of photography, organized into four thematic sections. The first section, "Mapping a Sense of Belonging," investigates the concept of home as a core aspect of identity, focusing on themes such as archives, personal memories, inherited traumas, and innovative forms of communal living. The second section, "Shifting Realities," confronts political, social, and environmental disruptions, reflecting on experiences of exile, instability, and resilience. "Beyond the Mirror" presents the body as a site of transformation, with artists challenging conventional gender norms while delving into emotions, mental health, and inner experiences. Finally, "Multiplying Perspectives" looks at race, history, and culture, illustrating how Gen Z photographers reclaim their narratives, challenge prevailing representations, and introduce new visual languages.
Image credits: All photographs are courtesy of Photo Elysée (https://elysee.ch/en/exhibitions/gen-z/).
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