Final Selects One

Luke Kraman for Final Selects One at MRKT Gallery, explores themes of balance, contradiction, and the queer experience. Reflecting on moments of transition between New York and San Francisco, he draws parallels between his evolving sense of self and the liminal spaces in his art. His work captures the tension between opposing states—chaotic yet tidy, vulnerable yet composed—through portraits of artists and everyday encounters.

Luke’s reflections include experiences of deep introspection, moments of near-tragedy, and the vibrant energy of the queer nightlife. Whether on a turbulent flight or amidst the spontaneity of San Francisco’s streets, he finds beauty in raw, unguarded moments. His photography aims to capture a sense of calm and acceptance, offering a pause from life’s push and pull.

Luke emphasizes the importance of community, particularly within queer spaces, as places of resistance and rejuvenation. He describes photographing at events like Ever Afters and the Andrew James fashion show as both anxiety-inducing and exhilarating—seeking to bring a sense of tenderness to otherwise chaotic environments. Ultimately, his work is an attempt to capture authenticity, balancing vulnerability with a sense of hope and intimacy in uncertain times.

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Luke Kraman

Luke Kraman (b. 1989, Brooklyn, NY) is a San Francisco-based analog photographer known for his intimate, raw portraits and explorations of modern queer life. Educated at the University of Southern California, where he graduated in Film and Television Production, Kraman’s background in cinematic arts shapes his distinct approach to photography. His images capture the authentic self- expression and nuanced relationships within queer spaces, blending composed aesthetics with moments of vulnerability and balance.

Kraman’s debut solo exhibition, Final Selects One (MRKT Gallery, 2024), along with his contributions to significant group shows like Something Personal (APA SF) and Dirt Rich (Rosebud Gallery), establish his work as both a testament to and refuge from the challenges faced by queer communities. His work has been featured in prominent publications such as The British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Humanity Vol 5 and Pamplemousse Magazine The Human Issue, with additional recognition through the prestigious shortlisting, the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2023.

Raised in Brooklyn, Kraman’s people-watching instincts are deeply ingrained, as he seeks to capture his subjects’ unguarded, candid states. His portraits invite viewers to engage with the calm acceptance of those moments, offering a quiet resistance to societal pressures and a celebration of queer identity as powerful, complex, and ever-evolving.