Tommy Kha

Bio

Tommy Kha, a distinguished artist born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, is a compelling voice in contemporary photography. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Memphis College of Art, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from Yale University. Kha's innovative work has garnered him several prestigious accolades, including the Next Step Award, Foam Talent, the Creator Labs Photo’ Fund, and, most recently, recognition as an NYSCA/NYFA Fellow in Photography. Navigating the complexities of identity as a gay Chinese American in the American South, Kha's art delves into themes of belonging and estrangement. His work masterfully blends an undercurrent of camp and impassivity, prompting viewers to engage with the intricate and often emotionally charged dynamics that exist within families and cultures. Through his lens, Kha invites us to confront the dualities of familiarity and otherness that shape our understanding of self. His work has been prominently exhibited at esteemed institutions such as The Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, The High Museum in Atlanta, and the Leslie-Lohman Museum in New York. Most recently, he showcased his talents in the 2023 Tennessee Triennial at the Brooks Museum in Memphis. Kha has also held solo exhibitions at notable venues including Blue Sky Gallery, Camera Club of New York, and Higher Pictures Generation, where he is currently represented. In February 2023, Kha released his first monograph, "Half, Full, Quarter," published by Aperture, further solidifying his position as a significant figure in the art world. He currently resides and creates between New York and Memphis, continually exploring the intersections of culture, identity, and personal narrative through his evocative photography.