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James Katsipis Announces Representation with VFA Gallery in New York and Debuts Solo Exhibition & Show Entitled ‘Adrift’ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (New York, New York - August 14, 2025) Renowned photographer James Katsipis is pleased to announce his new representation with VFA Gallery in the heart of Soho in New York. Marking this exciting new partnership, Katsipis will unveil his debut solo exhibition and show with the gallery entitled “Adrift,” on August 14, 2025 from 4PM - 6PM for a VIP collectors reception and 6PM - 8PM for the exhibition grand opening at VFA Gallery’s Soho location at 151 Wooster Street. The exhibition will present three of James’ most famed series – Mermaids of Montauk, Blurz , and the analogue series Graintauk , all drawn from his expansive and celebrated body of work. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the depth and emotion of Katsipis’ work up close. Adrift will be on view through September 9, 2025. In Adrift , Katsipis presents three distinct series that each pay homage to Montauk, the place that shaped his artistic vision: “I chose my Mermaids of Montauk, Blurz and my analogue series Graintauk because first and foremost I wanted to showcase my love for my hometown, Montauk. Montauk has many moods. It can be dark and mysterious like my Mermaids, and it can also be vibrant and full of life like my Blurz. Montauk is also a blast from the past—it still feels retro, stuck in the 70s—so the vintage look of my analogue series, Graintauk, complements that feeling so well. For me, Montauk is mostly a mood, not just a place.” – James Katsipis The Montauk and Manhattan-based artist, James Katsipis is widely recognized for his exceptional ocean photography and striking visual narratives. Born and raised in Montauk, New York, Katsipis developed an enduring connection to the sea, which has remained a central theme throughout his career. For over two decades, he has traveled the globe as an adventure and surf photographer, capturing the energy and atmosphere of distant shores. “This is the culmination of 25 years of my work. It’s not just an opening—it’s my life, art, passion, achievements, and failures all mixed into one. I’m inviting everyone not only to the exhibition but into my home.” - James Katsipis “I’m excited to bring James’s work from the East End to the heart of New York City. His eye is uniquely local, but his impact is universal. James captures Montauk with reverence. His imagery gives us a sense of place that’s current, vulnerable, and iconic. He’s building a visual record that’s as timeless as it is contemporary.” – Zac Presley, Founder & Curator of VFA Gallery “Whiplash,” an homage to the photographers who inspired Katsipis, blending the collaging of Peter Beard, the resin-pour and sensual appeal of Raphael Mazzucco, and the stop-action and lighting complements of Walter Iooss. “My mermaids were a combination of Lana Del Rey all mixed together with a mythical siren. I told all the girls this is not your cute mermaid. You are here to crash boats, drown sailors and steal all their wallets in the process. You are the siren song on the rocks luring men to their deaths. This shoot we did at the Eddie Ecker Park in Montauk at Navy Road, the original settlement of the village of Montauk. It’s set below an old navy pier that used to house submarines and Zeppelins. We shoot late afternoon for that perfect Montauk sunset light. I'm always looking for the contrast in my black and white images. Her hair was caught perfectly in the light. It reminds me of a morning due when you see wet spider webs sparkling in the sun.” - James Katsipis

A Celebration of 4 Visionary Artists Defining What’s Next May 9–11, 2025 | Open House 11AM–7PM | Champagne Bar & DJ Sets by ZØVIVAA New York, NY – VFA Gallery is proud to announce “New Icons” , a special exhibition presented during New York Art Week , spotlighting four of the gallery’s most electric and visionary artists: Sienna Martz, Paddy Cohn, Jule Waibel, and Tyler Goldflower. Taking place as an open house event from May 9–11 , this immersive exhibition invites collectors, press, and art lovers to discover the future icons of contemporary art while enjoying curated sounds by DJ ZØVIVAA and an open champagne bar daily from 11AM to 7PM . “These are artists whose voices, visions, and materials are pushing boundaries,” says the gallery founder Zachary Presley. “These are tomorrow’s blue-chip names, today.” To mark the occasion, special collector pricing will be available exclusively during NYC Art Week—an unprecedented opportunity to acquire works from these artists before they ascend to wider recognition. Featured Artists Sienna Martz is an acclaimed sculptor and fiber artist known for her innovative material manipulation and commitment to sustainability. Paddy Cohn A painter of mood and mystery, whose raw textures and rich palettes reveal emotional depths. Jule Waibel captures the essence of empowered women through vibrant, figurative paintings that celebrate the multifaceted nature of femininity. Tyler Goldflower A vibrant colorist whose layered narratives blur the line between dreamscape and memory. About VFA Founded by Zachary Presley, the VFA gallery is committed to becoming a definitive destination for contemporary culture. With a focus on showcasing the next generation of groundbreaking artists and honoring the lasting influence of modern visionaries, the curated collection appeals to seasoned collectors and the global art community alike. NEW ICONS is a testament to the gallery’s commitment to showcasing work that challenges the norms while inviting deeper emotional engagement. With a focus on showcasing the next generation of groundbreaking artists and honoring the lasting influence of modern visionaries. Event Details: 📍 VFA Gallery , 151 Wooster Street, New York, NY 📅 May 9–11, 2025 🕚 Open House Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Daily 🎶 Live sets by DJ ZØVIVAA 🥂 Complimentary Champagne Bar This event is free and open to the public. For early access or private preview appointments, please contact info@vfagallery.com . Join us as we toast to the New Icons of contemporary art. For media inquiries, interviews, or press materials, please contact: Katrina Martin, Director of Marketing katrina@vfagallery.com (503) 704-6213

Event Description: VFA Gallery was excited to present Zheyi Zhang’s Here & There exhibition, a captivating fusion of physical art, fashion, and creative technology. Alongside a striking collection of Zhang’s Metrocard artworks, the exhibition featured a limited edition of 100 tech-enabled sweatshirts, inspired by his experiences in New York City’s transit system, capturing the fleeting moments, light, and energy of urban life. What set these sweatshirts apart was the integration of cutting-edge technology. Each sweatshirt was embedded with microelectronics connected to a bespoke web application developed by New York Culture Club. This offered a unique, interactive experience, allowing wearers to engage with the art in real-time and unlock exclusive digital content. This fusion of fashion and technology created a new way for wearers to connect with Zhang's art and the gallery, offering a wearable tribute to the essence of New York City. As part of this event, we also hosted a toy donation drive for children in need. Guests were encouraged to bring an unwrapped, art-related gift appropriate for children. Their generous donations made a meaningful impact on the children in our community.