Elevating Unrepresented Voices: Maria Sukkar on Shaping Positions at Photo London’s 10th Anniversary

Maria Sukkar joins Photo London as the chief curator of ‘positions’ at Photo London 2025. This new sector of the fair for unrepresented photo-based artists launched as part of Discovery in 2024 and will be expanded for Photo London’s tenth anniversary edition, with a larger physical presence at the fair and an amplified presence. Patrons and collectors are invited to nominate artists to support through this curated exhibition, recognising the shifting and evolving art market models for the medium. Positions also enables Photo London to continue to improve its mission to be a diverse, inclusive and agile representation of the photo world at large. Here, Maria Sukkar and Discovery curator Charlotte Jansen discuss Sukkar’s background and vision for positions for 2025.

 

Maria, you are not only a collector but work in other ways in the art world and I especially admire your long established reputation for supporting women artists. But what was your connection to Photo London before joining the fair? 

 

I’ve been a huge fan of Photo London since day one and have been part of the fair since its inception, serving on its Advisory Board and Founding Committee. From the very beginning, I was drawn to its visionary approach in bringing together global talent and celebrating photography as a powerful art form. My connection to Photo London has always been rooted in a shared commitment to innovation, discovery, and the support of emerging and underrepresented artists, particularly women. It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness and contribute to its growth over the years.

 

As part of your many commitments in the art world, how did you see the role of fairs within the art market, especially for photography as such a diverse and exciting medium? 

 

Fairs play an essential role in the art market, and for photography, they are particularly impactful. They provide a vital platform for photographers to showcase their work to a global audience, connecting them with collectors, curators, and institutions that can propel their careers forward. Photography, as a medium, has often been underrepresented in the art market, but fairs like Photo London have been instrumental in elevating its status and providing opportunities for emerging and established artists alike.

 

Fairs also foster dialogue, education, and collaboration, creating a dynamic space where art, ideas, and people converge. In an increasingly digital world, they offer a tangible, immersive experience that allows collectors and audiences to engage deeply with the works on display. For photography, this direct engagement is particularly meaningful, as it highlights the medium’s nuances and storytelling potential.

 

Overall, fairs have the unique ability to champion innovation, broaden the market, and build a supportive ecosystem for both artists and patrons, making them indispensable in the art world.

 

What kind of interest did you have in photography previously – which kind of artists were you collecting?

 

Photography has always been a medium I deeply admire for its ability to capture and challenge perspectives on identity and the human condition—both central themes in the ISelf Collection. My interest in photography aligns closely with the collection’s focus on exploring the complexities of selfhood, emotion, and the intricacies of human experience. In building the collection, I’ve gravitated toward artists who push boundaries, often with an emphasis on narratives that explore gender, culture, and personal identity. The collection is quite international, reflecting a wide range of voices, with a particular focus on women artists. Photography, in particular, has served as a powerful tool for many of them to express deeply personal yet universally resonant stories. 

 

Among the photographers in the collection are influential figures such as Man Ray, Carrie Mae Weems, Kati Horna, Akram Zaatari, and Dayanita Singh. Each of these artists, in their own way, has demonstrated the power of photography to convey vulnerability, strength, and individuality. Their works don’t just capture moments but offer profound reflections on what it means to be human. This connection to photography feels like a natural extension of the collection’s broader mission, making it a medium I’ve consistently championed over the years.

 

What kind of opportunities do you see for photography more broadly? I feel it’s still such a young and fast expanding field within the arts sphere, and we are only two centuries in! 

 

Photography, as a young and versatile medium, is uniquely positioned for growth in today’s cultural and technological landscape. Advances like AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality are expanding the boundaries of storytelling, enabling new, immersive artistic experiences.

 

The push for greater diversity and representation also offers significant opportunities. Photography’s ability to amplify underrepresented voices and explore identity, culture, and social justice makes it increasingly vital in today’s art world.

 

Additionally, photography’s accessibility and immediacy make it a powerful tool for engaging with contemporary issues like climate change and migration, ensuring its relevance in shaping critical conversations. Digital platforms further democratize the medium, enabling artists to connect directly with audiences and foster innovation outside traditional spaces.

 

These factors make photography an exciting and impactful force in the arts, with immense potential for continued evolution.

 

How do you feel about expanding the ‘positions’ for Photo London 2025, our tenth anniversary edition? What are you hoping we can do with this, and what are you hoping to be able to present next year at the fair? 

 

I’m incredibly excited about positions—it’s such a bold and forward-thinking initiative that feels especially needed right now. Photography, as a medium, is still burgeoning in terms of the market, and galleries are often hesitant to take on photographers until much later stages in their careers. This section fills that gap by providing a vital platform for unrepresented talent, offering them the recognition and opportunities they might not otherwise have.

 

Next year, I hope positions continues to grow as a space for discovery, showcasing a diverse range of artists whose work challenges conventions and sparks meaningful conversations. I’d love to see projects that explore themes like identity, the human condition, and global perspectives, particularly from women and underrepresented communities.

 

Ultimately, my hope is that positions not only elevates these voices but also reshapes how collectors and curators engage with emerging photographers, solidifying its place as a catalyst for innovation within the art fair model.

 

I agree, I hope we can facilitate that shift and reflect what is happening outside the fair, especially since the pandemic has driven new ways of engaging with and collecting art.

 

How do you see London’s photography scene right now, and how do you feel it’s distinctive to other places? Is there a palpable ‘London spirit’ to image-making – if so how might you loosely define it?

 

London’s photography scene is incredibly dynamic and constantly evolving, reflecting the city’s unique position as a cultural melting pot. What sets it apart is its diversity—not only in terms of the photographers and their backgrounds but also in the subjects and approaches that emerge. It’s a city where traditional and experimental practices coexist, and where storytelling is often infused with perspectives on identity, community, and change.

 

There’s a palpable “London spirit” in the way photography here embraces multiculturalism and the contrasts of urban life. The city itself—its layered history, shifting architecture, and vibrant communities—provides endless inspiration for image-making. This spirit comes through in works that explore themes like resilience, belonging, and transformation, all of which feel quintessentially London.

 

What also makes London distinctive is its robust infrastructure for photography. From globally recognized institutions like the Tate and the V&A to cutting-edge spaces and events like Photo London, the city offers platforms for both established and emerging voices. This blend of history and innovation, coupled with a global outlook, ensures that London’s photography scene remains at the forefront of the medium’s evolution.

 

London isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a collaborator in the stories being told. The result is a body of work that feels deeply connected to the city’s energy, while also resonating with universal themes.