2025 Exhibition Announced

I am stoked to be exhibiting this June at the Upstairs Gallery as part of the Auckland Festival of Photography.

From the Kayak - 2024

Exhibition Statement: "A Pause" by Jago Neal

In his latest collection, Jago Neal invites us into a world where time slows and observation takes precedence. Using alternative processes and unconventional approaches, Jago pushes the boundaries of traditional photography to create unexpected and captivating results. For him, photography, especially shooting film, is more than just capturing images—it's a deliberate pause from the everyday pace of life. It is a moment to step back, be present, and observe the natural environment.

Using a variety of cameras, Jago captures fleeting details and moments, each frame a testament to his contemplative approach. In the darkroom, he marries experimental techniques such as liquid light with other media—wood transfers, dyes, wax and paint — creating layers of meaning that extend beyond the photograph.

Jago's work seeks a delicate balance between the accidental and the controlled, where the unexpected beauty of chance encounters merges with the precision of technique. In doing so, he challenges the viewer's perception of photography, offering a distinctive vision that blends traditional and experimental processes.

This exhibition encourages us to slow down, to pause, and to see photography not only as an art form, but as an opportunity to engage more deeply with the world around us.