Kirk Crippens

Kirk Crippens is an American photographer and artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area.1 As the Business Owner of Kirk Crippens Photography, he has established a photography studio that focuses on producing product, portrait, event, and wedding photography.4

Crippens developed an early interest in photography, inspired by his grandfather who had a darkroom in his closet.1 He began exhibiting his work in 2008 and has since gained significant recognition in the photography world.1

Career Highlights

Exhibitions and Awards:: Crippens has participated in numerous exhibitions, including 13 shows in 2010 alone, with three being solo exhibitions.1 He has been named a Top 50 Photographer in Critical Mass multiple times and was nominated for the 2011-2013 Eureka Fellowship Program.13

Artist Residencies:: He has completed artist residencies at prestigious institutions such as RayKo Photo Center in San Francisco and Newspace Center for Photography in Portland, Oregon.13

Collections:: His work has been collected by notable institutions, including the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which featured his portfolio "Foreclosure, USA" in their exhibition "State of the Art, Discovering American Art Now" in 2014-2015.1

Notable Projects

Portraitlandia:: This series, created during his residency in Portland, Oregon, showcases portraits of iconic Portlanders in locations of their choosing.23 The project aimed to capture the authentic spirit of the city and its diverse inhabitants.2

Foreclosure, USA:: This portfolio documented the impact of the foreclosure crisis in Stockton, California, providing a poignant look at the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.2

Mary Elizabeth Moves:: This series focused on the personal belongings of a woman in her nineties moving to an assisted living facility, exploring themes of aging and transition.2

Kirk Crippens continues to be an active and prolific photographer, with his work being widely exhibited and published.2 His approach often involves exploring social issues and capturing the essence of communities and individuals through his lens.