In a remarkable fusion of art and technology, Chasing the Light presents a breathtaking showcase of photographic works created by Ryan McGinley, Prince Gyasi, and Chen Man, all captured using the revolutionary iPhone 16 Pro Max. This multi-city exhibition, curated by the iconic Kathy Ryan, taking place in New York, London, and Shanghai, draws the viewer into an intimate exploration of light, color, and the human spirit. At the heart of this exhibition is a daring reimagining of how we experience the world: through the lens of an iPhone, light becomes not just a source of illumination but a bridge connecting the self to the larger universe, dissolving the line between personal moments and shared human experience. In this profound dialogue between art and innovation, the iPhone becomes more than a tool—it is a canvas for expression, reshaping the future of visual storytelling.
Technology Unlocks New Dimensions of Creative Expression
At the heart of this exhibition is the notion that technology, when placed in the hands of creators, can unlock new dimensions of creative expression. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, equipped with a 48MP Ultra-Wide camera, 5x Telephoto lens, and Dolby Vision 4K120 video recording, becomes more than just a personal device—it’s a tool for professional artistry, capable of capturing exceptional detail, depth, and colour. Its next-generation Photographic Styles and spatial video capabilities allow for nuanced personalization, making it ideal for both stills and motion. For McGinley, Gyasi, and Chen, the iPhone 16 Pro Max provided the opportunity to dive deeper into their craft, capturing light and life in ways that feel fresh, intimate, and powerfully resonant, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in photography.
Photo by Ryan McGinley, “Sparky”. © Ryan McGinley, © Apple.
Ryan McGinley’s Study in Nature’s Unfiltered Beauty
Ryan McGinley’s contribution to Chasing the Light is a study in nature’s unfiltered beauty, where the human body and the elements—earth, water, air—come together in perfect harmony. Known for his raw, immersive photography, McGinley’s work in this exhibition continues his exploration of the natural world, but with a new lens—quite literally. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with its Ultra-Wide and Telephoto capabilities, allowed McGinley to capture the dynamic interplay of light and movement in his subjects, creating images that are as visceral as they are poetic. Each photograph speaks to the freedom and introspection found in nature’s vast, untamed spaces, and McGinley’s use of the iPhone transforms these fleeting moments into lasting works of art.
Photo by Prince Gyasi, “Treachery”. © Prince Gyasi, © Apple.
Prince Gyasi’s Celebration of Color and Emotion
Prince Gyasi’s work, on the other hand, is a vibrant celebration of color and emotion. As a synesthete, Gyasi experiences the world through a unique lens, where colours are tied to words, emotions, and even days of the week. For him, the word “hope” is always pink, and that association deeply influences his work. This connection drives his use of the colour pink in his photography, where it becomes a symbol of optimism, resilience, and emotional depth. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s Photographic Styles feature enabled Gyasi to fully embrace his vivid, hyper-saturated aesthetic, allowing him to personalize each image in a way that reflects his artistic vision and emotional world. His work is a bold, unapologetic counter-narrative to traditional representations of Africa, offering a fresh, electrifying perspective on the continent through the language of colour and light. Each photograph is an invitation to enter Gyasi’s universe, where art is not just seen but felt.
Photo by Chen Man. c Chen Man c Apple. Photo by Chen Man. © Chen Man, © Apple.
Chen Man’s Exploration of Unity and Diversity
Chen Man’s artistic vision for Chasing the Light offers a deeply reflective exploration of unity and diversity. Drawing inspiration from the writings of Rumi, her series, The Guest House, weaves together stories of human connection, creating a visual narrative that transcends boundaries. Through the lens of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Chen captures the delicate balance of light and shadow, evoking a sense of intimacy and shared experience in every frame. The iPhone’s Fusion camera technology allowed her to play with depth and contrast, creating images that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Chen’s work is a meditation on the beauty of difference, and the way our individual stories come together to create something greater. It is this shared sense of connection that lies at the core of her photography, and the iPhone’s advanced features enabled her to bring this vision to life with stunning clarity.
Kathy Ryan Continues to Shape the World of Photography
What also makes Chasing the Light extraordinary is the vision of Kathy Ryan, whose has shaped the world of photography for decades. As the long-time Director of Photography at The New York Times Magazine, Ryan was instrumental in elevating editorial photography to an art form, nurturing a generation of renowned photographers. This exhibition marks her first project post-retirement, and her choice to use the iPhone as the primary tool speaks to the evolving landscape of professional photography. Ryan’s own love for the iPhone as a photographer herself underscores the device’s growing role in artistic practice, and her involvement in this project signals a new era in which technology and art are seamlessly intertwined.
Behind-the-scenes photo by Apple, offering a unique look at the creative process behind the works featured in Chasing the Light. © Apple. © Prince Gyasi.
Offering a Glimpse into the Future of Artistic Expression
As Chasing the Light travels from one city to the next, it offers viewers a glimpse into the future of photography—one where the tools of creation are accessible to all, and the potential for artistic expression is limitless. The collaboration between these extraordinary photographers and the iPhone 16 Pro Max serves as a reminder that art and technology are not separate entities, but complementary forces that, when combined, have the power to transform the way we see the world. Through the works of McGinley, Gyasi, and Chen Man, Chasing the Light illuminates the path forward for both photography and innovation, showing us that the light we chase is always within reach, if only we have the tools to capture it.
