Marie Tomanova (b. 1984, Mikulov, Czech Republic) is a Czech-born, New York-based contemporary photographerwhose vibrant portraits capture the raw energy, diversity, and identity of today’s youth. Her work is celebrated for its intimate, unfiltered portrayal of belonging, freedom, and self-expression, especially within the context of immigration, gender fluidity, and body positivity. Tomanova has emerged as a key voice in contemporary portrait photography, documenting a generation with empathy and emotional immediacy.

After relocating to the United States in 2011, Tomanova turned to photography as a way to reconnect with herself and her surroundings. Her breakthrough series, “Young American”, presents powerful portraits of young people in New York and beyond, celebrating their individuality while subtly reflecting the artist’s own sense of displacement and search for identity. Tomanova’s approach is collaborative and empowering, often blurring the line between photographer and subject.

Her work has received international acclaim and has been exhibited at major institutions and galleries, including Czech Center New York, Künstlerhaus Bethanien (Berlin), and the Parco Museum (Tokyo). In Europe, Stieglitz19 was one of the first galleries to present Tomanova’s work, championing her in exhibitions that align with the gallery’s commitment to bold, socially conscious, and visually engaging photography. This collaboration has helped bring her work to new audiences across the continent.

Tomanova has published several photobooks, including Young American (2019) and New York New York (2021), both of which were widely praised for their honest, celebratory take on identity and youth culture in the 21st century. Her photography continues to explore the boundaries of personal and cultural transformation, making her a vital contributor to the evolving narrative of contemporary art and photography.

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marie tomanova list of works