Visual Artist · Curator · Educator · Author
João Carlos
João Carlos is a visual artist, curator, educator, and author whose work explores the relationship between image, memory, and human experience.
Born in New York to Portuguese parents and based in Lisbon, his practice moves between photography, curatorial research, and cultural initiatives that examine how visual narratives shape collective perception and emotional understanding.
Over the past twenty-five years, João Carlos has developed a multidisciplinary career that bridges artistic practice, professional photography, and cultural leadership. His photographic work often investigates themes of vulnerability, resilience, identity, and psychological landscapes, using portraiture and conceptual imagery as tools for reflection and dialogue.
His projects Stages of Isolation, Stages of Depression, and A Idade Importa explore emotional states and social realities, translating complex human experiences into visual narratives that resonate across cultural contexts.
Alongside his artistic practice, João Carlos is actively engaged in curatorial and cultural initiatives. He is the founder and artistic director of the F/262 International Photography Festival, an international platform dedicated to contemporary photography and socially engaged visual practices.
He is also President of the ASSOCIAÇÃO F/SOS – Fotografia, Solidariedade e Obras Sociais, a non-profit organization that develops cultural programs, exhibitions, and artistic initiatives connecting photography with social impact, environmental awareness, and community engagement.
João Carlos lectures at the Instituto Português de Fotografia (IPF) and is the founder of The School of Seeing, an educational platform dedicated to visual literacy, creative development, and photographic authorship.
His work has been exhibited internationally and is represented in both public and private collections. Over the course of his career he has received numerous international awards, including the Hasselblad Masters Award, and continues to contribute to the global photographic community through exhibitions, education, curatorial work, and mentorship.
Artistic Practice
João Carlos works across photography, installation, and conceptual image-making. His work explores themes such as:
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identity and representation
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vulnerability and resilience
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memory and perception
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aging and dignity
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mental health and emotional landscapes
His projects frequently combine portraiture, staged photography, and conceptual narratives to investigate the relationship between personal experience and collective memory.
Selected Projects
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Stages of Isolation
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Stages of Depression
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A Idade Importa
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Renaissance Pawtraits
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The Portuguese Ginger Project
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Echoes of Silence
Exhibitions
João Carlos has exhibited his work internationally in solo and group exhibitions across Europe and beyond.
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2025 — Renaissance Pawtraits, Solar dos Zagallos, Almada
2025 — A Idade Importa, Lisbon
2024 — Stages of Isolation & Stages of Depression, Caldas da Rainha
2022 — Stages of Isolation, Kirchberg Hospital, Luxembourg
2021 — Stages of Isolation, Museu da Pedra, Portugal
2018 — Macabrology, Lisbon
2013 — I Am Bunny, Lisbon
2011 — Love Tragedies, Castelo São Jorge, Lisbon
Selected Group Exhibitions
2025 — Lens op de Mens, Belgium
2025 — Somos – Images of Lusophony, Macau
2024 — Cultural Fusion, Berlin
2024 — Limited Edition: 77 Photographers, Lisbon
2017 — Fuji World X Photographers, Prague
2016 — L’Été des Portraits, France
2010 — Hasselblad Masters Exhibition, Photokina, Germany
Awards & Recognition
João Carlos has received numerous international awards for his work in photography and visual arts.
Highlights include:
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Hasselblad Masters Award – Portrait Category
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APPImagem Photographer of the Year
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Lens op de Mens – Gold Award
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PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris – Gold Award
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IPA International Photography Awards – Jury Selection
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Color Awards – Honorable Mention
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London International Creative Competition – Official Selection
His work has also been featured in international publications and exhibitions worldwide.
Publications
João Carlos is the author of several books and publications, including:
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Renaissance Pawtraits
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A Idade Importa
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How to Photograph with a Digital Camera
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How to Photograph Everything (contributor)
Cultural Initiatives
F/262 International Photography Festival
Founder and artistic director of an international photography festival based in Portugal, bringing together photographers, curators, scientists, and environmental activists to explore photography’s role in shaping cultural and environmental awareness.
F/SOS – Fotografia, Solidariedade e Obras Sociais
President of the non-profit association that develops socially engaged photography initiatives and supports cultural projects connected to solidarity and environmental responsibility.
Education & Teaching
João Carlos is a lecturer at the Instituto Português de Fotografia (IPF) where he teaches photographic practice and visual storytelling.
He is also the founder of The School of Seeing, an educational initiative focused on developing visual literacy, creative thinking, and artistic authorship.
He regularly leads workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship programs internationally.
Professional Roles
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President — ASSOCIAÇÃO F/SOS
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Founder & Artistic Director — F/262 International Photography Festival
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Founder — The School of Seeing
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Board Member — Federation of European Photographers (FEP)
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Board Member — APPImagem
Brand Partnerships
João Carlos collaborates with leading brands in photography and imaging technology, including:
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Fujifilm
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SanDisk
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Think Tank Photo
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BlackRapid
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Outex
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KoyLab
Through these collaborations, he participates in educational events, workshops, and international photography conferences.
Media & Press
João Carlos’ work has been featured in international media including:
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RTP Television
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Time Out Magazine
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Gazeta das Caldas
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ShotKit
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Fstoppers
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Portuguese American Journal
Contact
For exhibitions, speaking engagements, workshops, or collaborations: