Liz Nielsen 

Bold Stone Stack, 2023

Based in Hudson Valley, New York, Liz Nielsen (b. 1975) is an artist celebrated for her innovative approach to photography, which she refers to as “light painting.” Using photograms—a technique that predates traditional photography—Nielsen creates one-of-a-kind compositions in the darkroom. Her process involves a complex layering system of materials and objects to project light onto photosensitive material, building intricate, multi-exposure images that combine detailed planning with moments of spontaneity. Nielsen’s work often explores the interplay between perception, physics, and the intangible forces that shape our world. Her vibrant photograms, ranging in size from intimate to monumental, feature bold colors and geometric forms, evoking themes of duality, movement, and transformation. Speaking about her medium, Nielsen has said, “Light is like love—you can know it, but you can’t hold it,” a sentiment that resonates deeply in her practice. Her work has been shown extensively both nationally and internationally, with solo exhibitions at Miles McEnery Gallery, New York; Black Box Projects, London; and SOCO Gallery, Charlotte, North Carolina. Nielsen earned her MFA from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.