Information
William Rice is a Northern Irish photographer.
His work is an ongoing exploration made in over 80 countries covering anthropological, socio-political and geographical subjects that seek to document and understand what it is to live in different parts of the world at this moment in time.
The work is an attempt to give form to the elusive, discover emotional contact in a hyper shifting world and show how lived experience best teaches us each others' realities compared to the limited narratives we are given about people different to ourselves.
Themes include the information density of our cities, the loneliness of the contemporary urban environment and the failed promises of western capitalism & organised religion. The work pays attention to gender, masculinity, intimacy and sexuality, sometimes though documentary, sometimes with others playing out roles of self-portraiture, with an interest in how we express ourselves through fashion and our physical body.
Stylistically the work is informed by a lifelong love of music and submersion in pop culture. Prior to taking up photography William Rice worked in the music industry as a consultant to artists including Bjork, Prince, Goldfrapp and Sinead O'Connor.
His first publication ‘O NOVO RIO’ was released in 2024.
"Rice’s work is a beautiful, soulful and heartwarming portrait of Rio’s juxtapositions, booming youth, subversions and queer fluidity. He constructs a layered tale around the intersection between sexuality, identity, religion and nationalism, bringing to the forefront of his lens what makes the best of Brazil: its people."
Wonderland
"Through his evocative photography, Rice captures moments of intimacy, defiance, and solidarity, showcasing the resilience of Rio's youth in the face of adversity." SHOWstudio
Selected Press
Develonment: Joseph Pleass