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
Mixed Media Epoxy Resin with Found Objects Frame made from Upcycled Wood from original 100 year old picnic bench from the Montaukett. 72 X 52 (Edition 1 of 1) Priced at $30,000
From the Blurz series, “Blustery Goodness,” captures the raw power and fleeting softness of Montauk’s shoreline, offering what Katsipis calls “the perfect balance between the dark and light of Montauk—the end of a beautiful day sinking into the darkness of the cold Atlantic Ocean.” Known for its dreamy, abstract motion and painterly effect, the Blurz series is a technical and atmospheric challenge that Katsipis embraces with precision and humor. Katsipis explains:
“Everyone always asks how I do these Blurz. I tell them if you ever see me down by the shoreline looking like I’m having a seizure this is what I’m up to. It’s a slow shutter pan on the horizon with my camera. You have to get it just right or the whole image won’t be straight. But before we even get into taking the images the conditions have to be perfect. Right after sunset or just before sunrise. Can’t have clear skies but it can’t have too many clouds either. Has to be the perfect balance.This image was taken in March after one of the largest swells of the year. The surf was 10-15feet and stacks of giant waves were rolling in over the horizon. It was getting dark and cold. I saw the perfect opportunity and snapped it.” – process behind
Blurz.
40 X 30 (Edition 1 of 8) Priced at $9,800
“Ramble On,” from Graintauk, one of the standout works in the series, a dreamy, retro-toned capture of the Hoodoos at Ditch Plains. Shot on LomoChrome Turquoise 120 film with a Pentax 67, the image channels a deep sense of place and memory, evoking what Katsipis describes as “a nostalgic feeling of growing up in Montauk.” He explains:
“Graintauk has a vintage feel. Montauk is vintage already so I wanted to pair that with old analogue film that inherently has a specific look. In this case I chose a Medium Format Lomochrome Turquoise film. It’s a very finicky film. You really have to nail the lighting right or the colors just don’t come through. You need high sun and a lot of it. Shooting this film kind of goes against all your previous notions of the right time of day to shoot photos. I shot this at Ditch Plains right next to the Hoo Doos (as us locals refer to those bluffs) on a Pentax 67. It's a medium format camera that’s not ideal for traveling as it weighs a good amount with its wooden handles. But the shutter sounds like a barn door closing when you snap a photo.”
40 X 30 (Edition 1 of 8) Priced at $9,800
Katsipis expresses his excitement about the collaboration:
“I’m thrilled to be working with Zac Presley at his incredible VFA Gallery in New York City for my upcoming solo show. Showcasing my Mermaids of Montauk, Blurz, and Graintauk series in such an inspiring space is a dream come true. Zak’s passion and vision make this collaboration truly special.”
“Adrift” will be open to the public from August 14, 2025 until September 9th, 2025 at VFA Gallery, Soho.
ABOUT JAMES KATSIPIS:
James Katsipis is a Montauk-born artist, known for his exceptional ocean photography and stunning visual art. Over two decades ago, Katsipis began traveling the world shooting and exploring distant shores as an adventure and surf photographer. Growing up in and around the ocean is the natural theme and influence throughout his portfolio. Today, as a fine art photographer and in-demand commissionable artist, James Katsipis work is featured in fine art galleries, campaigns, books and magazines worldwide.
While his origins lie in Montauk, Katsipis has travelled the globe to capture exotic seascapes and coastlines. His work has taken him to far flung corners of the earth, including Iceland, Peru, Ireland and Panama among others. An explorer by nature, Katsipis’ ability to immerse himself among these remote locales and express the power of nature has made him one of the most renowned action, adventure, and commercial photographers. In partnering with a talented roster of clients including Estee Lauder, La Mer, Donna Karan, Volcom, Montauk Brew Co., Patagonia and Pucci, Katsipis has been able to realize large-scale creative visions that have established him as one of the biggest names in the industry. His work is widely published in books, fine art media & available to shop for viewers to bring the magic of James Katsipis’ Montauk home with them.
ABOUT VFA GALLERY:
VFA 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, our curated collection appeals to seasoned collectors and the global art community alike. Located at 151 Wooster Street in the heart of SoHo NYC; VFA serves as a vibrant space where innovative creativity sparks meaningful dialogue, connections, and opportunities.
@vfagallery
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