Star-studded Exhibition Programme for Copenhagen Photo Festival: International Stars and Strong Nordic Voices

Copenhagen Photo Festival will feature the acclaimed Magnum photographer and artist Carolyn Drake and the world-renowned photographer Roger Ballen, alongside other leading international names and powerful Nordic voices. The festival opens 11 June 2026 at the Royal Danish Theatre.

This year’s theme is Forestillinger/Scenarios. Copenhagen Photo Festival explores how we use images and narratives to create worlds and new realities, and how today our imaginative power and empathy are at risk in a world that bombards us with images. Where fiction and facts merge like never before. And where dystopia and utopia are often inseparable.

The festival will transform the beautiful, historical Royal Danish Theatre into a vibrant photography hub with a vibrant programme of exhibitions, talks, workshops and a photo market.

Naked men and masked women invert stereotypes

This year’s international headliner is Carolyn Drake, whose work is being presented for the very first time in the Nordic region in a comprehensive solo show. Drake’s photos of naked men and masked women, and her performative self-portraits upend established notions of gender and identity. They are all infused with a generous dose of humour, empathy and anger. Visitors can look forward to a startling universe that questions prevailing conceptions of gender, photography and genres.

Four other stars selected from 1,019 Open Call applicants

In addition to Carolyn Drake, the festival will feature four international stars, who were selected as solo artists from 1,019 applicants in the festival’s 2026 Open Call: Helge Skodvin (NO), Maja Daniels (SE), Rhiannon Adam (US) and Roger Ballen (SA).Over the past four decades the latter has developed a unique, internationally acclaimed black-and-white universe. In his most recent project Spirits and Spaces which will be exhibited in Copenhagen, he has opted to use colours for the very first time, adding new dimensions to his world famous oeuvre.

Each of the four photographers will have their own solo show in the Royal Theatre’s foyer. “Visitors will be joining Rhiannon Adams on her life-changing trip to the moon. Maja Daniels will transport the audience back in time to the age of witch hunts in the forests of Sweden. Helge Skodvin will take them on a safari through Norwegian suburbs in search of endangered animals. The work of Roger Ballen will confront them with a psychological tour de force and a glimpse of the human subconscious,” says Maja Dyrehauge Gregersen, Festival Director.

Fotos: Spirits and Spaces © Roger Ballen

Digital programme with topical agendas and clear visual storytelling

In the foyer, the festival will also present digital exhibitions of work by six selected artists. As well as tapping into current agendas, all six share a clear connection to this year’s theme and a striking visual storytelling power that expands our notion of what photography can be today. Their works feature such topics as collective and personal memory, political structures, technological future scenarios and alternative realities.

An invitation to reflect on the stories we share

According to the Festival Director, what distinguishes the ten selected projects is their dramatic, highly inventive approach, their innovative practice and the consistency of their visual narratives.

“Through art and documentary photography, performance, archive material and staged pictorial stories, they invite visitors to reflect on the power and importance of ideas and imagination – and the scenarios we create for ourselves and each other,” says Maja Dyrehauge Gregersen.

Photo exhibitions and events in a historic setting

All the exhibitions will be presented in the magnificent, historic foyer of the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen from 11 to 17 June 2026. Every day, in addition to visiting the atmospheric space of this historic theatre – which usually requires a ticket for a performance – guests can attend a variety of events; from the opening event on 11 June to talks, portfolio reviews, workshops and various guided tours to photography museums and exhibition venues in Copenhagen.

The festival programme is being continuously updated, and the festival expects tit to be finalised 1 May. Ticket sales for admission to the festival centre at the Old Stage are already open. Other tickets for workshops, talks etc. will be released on an ongoing basis from mid March.

Foto: Dias Eternos © Ana María Arévalo Gosen

Fotos: Rhi-Entry © Rhiannon Adams

Contact

Press contact
Christina Holm Hansen
christina@gatheragency.dk
+45 2932 9867

Head of Communications
Christine Almlund
christine@copenhagenphotofestival.com

Find press photos here 🔗

Fotos: Man Untitled © Carolyn Drake