June 2025, Bristol: The exhibiting artists for the 166th edition of the Royal Photographic Society’s International Photography Exhibition (IPE), the world’s longest-running photography exhibition, have been announced. Renowned for showcasing the diversity of contemporary photography from around the world, the works will be on display at London’s Saatchi Gallery from Tuesday 5th August to Thursday 18th September 2025.
More than 4,000 photographers, both amateur and professional, submitted work for consideration in the 166th IPE open call. 113 prints from 51 photographers were selected by a guest panel for inclusion in the exhibition.
The IPE has always reflected the times and this year’s submissions are no exception with many photographers focussing on themes that include environmental issues, identity, community, family, and culture, showing how contemporary photographers engage with and capture aspects of the world that are not only visually compelling but also socially and culturally significant.
With this edition showing at Saatchi Gallery, London, more people than ever will be able to view the work and appreciate the broad range of photography and themes captured in the final selection.
Victoria Humphries, CEO of the RPS comments: “This is another edition of the RPS International Photography Exhibition that pushes the boundaries of creative expression and celebrates the diversity and evolution of photography. When you view this exhibition and see the same themes evolving from every corner of the world you can’t underestimate the importance of the RPS International Photography Exhibition in bringing these works together.”
The selection panel of experts consisted of Yuxing Chen, a Chinese artist and researcher based in the UK and previous recipient of the IPE 165 award; Kalpesh Lathigra, a British Indian artist occupying documentary and art practise and senior lecturer at London College of Communication/ University of the Arts London; Anne Nwakalor, a British Nigerian Photo Editor and Communications Officer and founding editor of No! Wahala Magazine; Nicola Shipley, Curator, Producer, Mentor and co-founder and Director of GRAIN projects; and photography consultant and long-term member of the IPE selection panel, Dr Michael Pritchard.
The two award recipients for the 166th edition of the International Photography Exhibition have been announced, with Lydia Goldblatt, and Keerthana Kunnath receiving the honours. Lydia Goldblatt received the IPE Award for her series Fugue, which explores motherhood as a central theme, considering love and grief, mothering and losing a mother, as well as intimacy and distance.The Under 30s Award was presented to Keerthana Kunnath for her series Not What You Saw, which centres on South Indian female bodybuilders who challenge entrenched gender and beauty norms by embracing physical strength, a trait often considered as masculine.
On receiving the IPE award Lydia Goldblatt said: “It is a huge honour to have my work selected for the RPS IPE 166. I am deeply humbled and very grateful to receive the IPE Award, and so excited to exhibit Fugue in the company of wonderful photographers. I am profoundly moved to know that this project, which began so quietly and privately, has resonated with the esteemed jury, and that it will have the opportunity to be seen by others who might a/so connect to its themes. To have my work recognised and seen within the rich context and history of the RPS is a very great privilege.”
On receiving the Under 30s IPE Award Keerthana Kunnath said: ” I am honoured to be named one of the two award winners at this year’s RPS International Photography Exhibition. This recognition from such a prestigious institution marks a significant milestone in my photographic journey. It’s a joy to see the series being appreciated and celebrated. Thanks to all the judges.”
Simon Hill Hon FRPS, RPS President, comments: “The RPS is proud to champion a dynamic and inclusive international photographic community. The International Photography Exhibition, with its unique legacy and global reputation, continues to be a vital platform for celebrating the richness and significance of contemporary photography. This 166th edition showcases an extraordinary collection of work from some of the most innovative and talented photographers worldwide. It is a testament to the power of photography to inspire, challenge, and connect us, and we are confident that this carefully curated exhibition will captivate and resonate with audiences through its diverse subjects, themes, techniques, and aesthetics.”
The complete list of IPE166 exhibitors, images and further information about the exhibition is available here: RPS International Photography Exhibition 166
The exhibition will be open at Saatchi Gallery, London between Tuesday 5th August to Thursday 18th September,10am until 6pm and will be free entry.
The International Photography Exhibition is supported by theprintspace.
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About International Photography Exhibition 166
Photographers and image-makers,of all ages, can submit their work to the RPS International Photography Exhibition. Submissions are encouraged from new, emerging and established photographers worldwide.
The IPE presents a unique opportunity to exhibit in a group exhibition touring the UK, alongside a prize fund to support future photographic projects. Exhibition selection is anonymous throughout, including the award winners, with a changing guest selection panel for each edition. The process is both rigorous and fair, where digital image and print work form part of the selection process. Each IPE edition is a unique celebration of photography today.
Images
All images that appear in this release are © the artist and courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society. For a full set of press images with credits please go to www.saatchjgallery.com/press
Exhibition Artists:
| Mark Aitken | Mat Hay | Emilie Rondal Nielsen |
| Jocelyn Allen | Ronya Hirsma | Hyunmin Ryu |
| Debe Arlook | Peter Holliday | Aindreas Scholz |
| Murray Ballard | Lawrence W. Ivy | Kate Schultze |
| Timon Benson | Ayesha Jones | Nirvana Seepersaud |
| John Boaz | Keerthana Kunnath | Aria Shahrokhshahi |
| Sean Cham | Jacopo Locarno | Xu Shengzhe |
| Raeann Kit-Yee Cheung | Deacon Lui | Gokhan Tannover |
| Alex Currie | Mehdi Moghimnejad | Valentin Valette |
| Megan K Eagles | Aidan Murgatroyd | lnes Ventura |
| ThomasDryden-Kelsey | Albert Ng | Katie Waite |
| Andy Fell | Ville Niiranen | Alastair Philip Wiper |
| Stefano Ferrarin | Ryan O’Toole Collett | Hanna Wolf Austn |
| Fischer | Ana Paganini | Naoto Yoshida |
| Margarita Galandina | Andy Pilsbury | Zeng Fengyang |
| Lydia Goldblatt | Tine Poppe | ChengLong Zhang |
| Francisco Gonzalez Camacho | Matthew Renew | Danilo ZocatelliCesco |
About The Royal Photographic Society
The Royal Photographic Society (The RPS) is an educational charity with an international membership. Founded in 1853, when photography was in its infancy, the objective of The RPS is to make the art and science of photography more widely available and is committed to bringing photography to everyone. Today, The RPS is a world-leading photographic community, made up of accomplished artists, dedicated academics,hobbyists, and seasoned professionals. The RPS aims to inspire people through its innovative exhibitions,its award-winning RPS Journal, and its highly respected awards and events. The RPS helps photographers create images through its educational programmes, qualifications, and its public initiatives; and it seeks to connect photographers through its UK and international community groups.Membership is open to everyone.
About Saatchi Gallery
Since 1985, Saatchi Gallery has provided an innovative platform for contemporary art. Exhibitions have presented works by largely unseen young artists, or by international artists whose work has been rarely or never exhibited in the UK. This approach has made the Gallery one of the most recognised names in contemporary art. Since moving to its current 70,000 square feet space in the Duke of York’s Headquarters in Chelsea, London, the Gallery has welcomed over 10 million visitors. The Gallery hosts thousands of school visits annually and has over 6 million followers on social media. In 2019 Saatchi Gallery became a registered charity,beginning a new chapter in its history.