Biography

Parker J Pfister (b.1968) is an American artist working primarily in photography and filmmaking.

He attributes his curiosity and dreams, both conscious and subconscious, as the guides for the majority of his work.

Pfister’s ability to find connection and create trust with complete strangers allows his viewers to step into and truly feel his work. After all, a photograph is to be felt every bit as much as seen.

Abiding by the idea that “adversity is the mother of invention,” Pfister routinely brings an unconventional approach to a photograph. He is at home in both film and digital mediums and pushes each with lighting, exposure and his alternative processing to give birth to a photograph yet discovered. This practice has left him with uncanny technical abilities. Some even say magic.

Two of Pfister’s images were selected by the Lucie Foundation to hang in an unprecedented 100 image group exhibition at the United Nations’ COP 21 in Paris, France. Those images would go on to the C40 Mayor’s summit in Mexico City, “Beyond the Air We Breathe” at The Royal Photographic Society in Bangkok, Thailand, and “The Climate Smart Evolution” in Bologna, Italy.

Together, these images have reached millions, creating a visceral experience of what climate change means to us and to our homelands.

A 2015 solo show of Pfister’s work was exhibited at the Asheville Museum of Art Gala as a fundraiser for its recent expansion.

His work was also included in the 2020 Favorite Photo Exhibition by Lenscratch.

Lens Cultures Editors Choice 2021 and 2023.