In an era defined by rapid technological shifts, shifting cultural landscapes, and constant digital connectivity, capturing the essence of the modern experience remains a profound challenge for emerging artists. Stepping up to meet this challenge, a collective of eleven talented young photographers has spent months reflecting on the times we live in to produce a striking new body of original work. Titled A Moment in Time, the collection explores the texture of the contemporary world, asking what kind of sense and feeling the present moment evokes, and how society might successfully capture these ephemeral experiences for future generations.
The project represents the culmination of an intensive collaborative journey facilitated by the V&A South Kensington’s Learning team. During a five-day programme held in August 2026, the young creatives worked alongside established industry mentors, including multi-media artist and designer Michael Akuagwu and graphic designer, photographer, and filmmaker Jude Amponsah. Together, the group pushed the boundaries of their artistic practice, sharpening their technical skills, expanding their creative knowledge, and building a supportive collective identity that enabled them to produce both individual and collaborative works of art.
Immersed in the rich environment of the V&A South Kensington, the participants drew deep inspiration from Photography Now, the museum’s prominent contemporary display within The Photography Centre. By examining how professional artists engage with the modern world, the young photographers found new avenues to interrogate their own artistic visions. The structured environment provided a dedicated space for creatives who were already producing inspiring work to deepen their practice, explore uncharted creative possibilities, and share diverse perspectives with peers who shared their passion for visual storytelling.
Reflecting on the transformative nature of the programme, participants noted significant personal and artistic growth. One participant shared that the experience allowed them to develop technically while growing substantially in generating complex ideas and concepts. Another remarked that the programme instilled a renewed sense of confidence in articulating their personal artistic approach, while a third simply noted that their love for photography had officially returned.
The thematic scope of A Moment in Time is broad and deeply introspective. Emerging themes across the collection include nostalgia and memory, the development of the self through the human form, fluid explorations of movement, and expressions of queerness. Additionally, the young creatives investigated how society visually defines their generation through fashion and youth culture, how individuals carry their cultural identities, and the profound ways in which personal heritage shapes modern identity.
Throughout the programme, the participants also benefited from the insights of visiting industry professionals and museum staff. Guest speakers included acclaimed photographer Anais Stupka, alongside V&A staff members Isaac Huxtable, Assistant Curator of Photography, and Rachel Flaxman, Interpretation Producer. The entire initiative was brought together by the V&A Young People’s Programme Team and received continuous, dedicated support from Wen Sheng-Hong and Jasprit Singh, ensuring the participants had the resources and guidance needed to bring their ambitious visions to life.
The culmination of this rigorous process will be shared with the public on January 22, 2027. The works will be showcased at the V&A South Kensington during Make and Meet, a vibrant evening event designed specifically for young artists to connect, collaborate, and create within the museum space.
As visitors prepare to view the exhibition, the distinct perspectives of each participating photographer highlight the diversity of vision cultivated during the programme.
Nadia Pearce
Nadia Pearce’s contribution to A Moment in Time brings a sharp, observant eye to the collection, translating modern emotional landscapes into striking visual compositions that engage directly with the viewer.
Nika Grieze
Through thoughtful framing and a nuanced understanding of light, Nika Grieze’s featured works capture subtle movements and atmospheric moods that speak to the complexities of contemporary youth culture.
Arlette Kakudji
Arlette Kakudji utilizes vertical portraiture to explore themes of identity and personal heritage, creating compelling visual narratives that ground the broader themes of the exhibition in intimate human experiences.
Alan Torres
Alan Torres offers a powerful visual commentary through his striking compositions, blending technical precision with deep conceptual exploration to reflect the realities of the modern era.
Koice Media
Representing a collaborative spirit within the group, Koice Media brings dynamic perspectives to the collection, examining movement, fashion, and the visual language of a new generation.
Natalia Vaz
Natalia Vaz’s photography investigates the intersection of personal memory and physical presence, utilizing evocative tones and textures to prompt quiet reflection from the audience.
Tremoring Steel
Under the banner of Tremoring Steel, the showcased imagery captures a raw, industrial energy contrasted with vulnerable human elements, mirroring the friction and beauty of modern life.
Samuel Okunade
Samuel Okunade’s striking portraits utilize bold lines and expressive framing to examine the nuances of self-development and cultural expression within contemporary society.
Trew-Lee Marsh
Trew-Lee Marsh contributes deeply expressive photographic works that probe the boundaries of identity, movement, and emotion, adding further depth to the collective’s exploration of the present.
Qeys Aquil
Qeys Aquil’s photography demonstrates a mature grasp of form and narrative, capturing subjects with a quiet dignity that underscores the exhibition’s meditation on time and memory.
Vesna Luksa Chaves
Rounding out the collective, Vesna Luksa Chaves presents balanced, thoughtful compositions that tie together the diverse threads of the programme, celebrating both individuality and shared creative ambition.
For those interested in learning more about future programmes and opportunities for young creatives at the institution, further details can be found by visiting the V&A’s dedicated resources for young people. The initiative is proudly supported by the Adobe Foundation.