Welcome Fall Magnum Foundation Fellow Sean Sirota
Sean Sirota photographed by Ian Lewandowski
Sean Sirota, Alice poses for a portrait in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. 2021
Magnum Foundation is pleased to announce Sean Sirota as our newest Magnum Foundation Fellow. Throughout the Fall of 2022, Sean will split his time between supporting Magnum Foundation’s programming and pursuing his project focusing on a politically divided Southern Brooklyn, where he was born and raised.
Sean Sirota (b.1995, Brooklyn) is a photographer whose images highlight quiet moments of everyday life. A graduate of SUNY Purchase, he has been awarded scholarships by Magnum Photos and has photographed for publications such as The New York Times, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, and Vogue Magazine. Sean has worked as an educator at The Bronx Documentary Center since 2017.
Focusing on the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, and Gravesend, Sean’s images convey a complexity that's unique to this section of Brooklyn, which is made up of both conservative and liberal representatives and constituents. This is one of the few areas in New York City where violent clashes broke out between protesters and police supporters in 2020 and tensions still linger today. Through intimate, enigmatic moments, Sean’s photographs explore the complicated feelings he has toward the place he has always called home.
Sean shared, “This fellowship will provide me with the time and guidance needed to further develop a personal project that is close to my heart. I'm excited to continue my growth as a storyteller with the support of the Magnum Foundation community.”
The Magnum Foundation Fellowship offers mentorship and stipends to early-career practitioners who are at a critical moment in their development as photographers. This fellowship is designed for New York City-based photographers to work in the Magnum Foundation office while also developing their own photographic project in the city that demonstrates a commitment to social issues and community based work. Learn more here.