About this Event
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of photography at Leica Store and Gallery Meatpacking with our electrifying Saturday Morning series, Behind the Binding!
Join us for an invigorating presentation with artist Jelani Rice as he reveals the stories behind the project and publication, In Search of...
Programming begins promptly at 11:00 AM.
Seating is first-come, first-served.
Following the talk, indulge in signed books with the artist!
Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance!
In Search of...
Published by Kerber
In Search Of… is the debut monograph by photographer Jelani Rice, bringing together five years of personal and commissioned portraiture that documents both the evolution of his photographic practice and his search for a distinct artistic voice. Created primarily on medium format film, the book traces Rice’s journey as a self taught photographer, embracing the imperfections, experimentation, and persistence that have shaped his work. Each image represents a moment of discovery, reflecting the continual process of refining a visual language rooted in portraiture, color, atmosphere, and human connection.
Blending previously unpublished photographs with some of Rice’s most recognizable work, In Search Of… offers an intimate look at the people, places, and experiences that have influenced his career. Interwoven throughout the photographs are personal reflections on the lessons learned, creative risks taken, and challenges overcome while building a career behind the camera. More than a retrospective, the book is an honest exploration of growth, curiosity, and the pursuit of meaningful storytelling, inviting readers into the ongoing search for what makes an artist’s work truly their own.
Jelani Rice is a New York based self taught photographer whose work explores portraiture as a form of storytelling, blending editorial, documentary, and fashion influences into cinematic, emotionally resonant imagery. Working exclusively with film, Rice is drawn to quiet moments, rich color, and carefully composed environments that blur the line between observation and narrative. His photographs often examine identity, memory, and place, inviting viewers into scenes that feel both intimate and timeless.
Born and raised in New York City, Rice began his creative career at seventeen before transitioning from television and creative marketing into photography full time. His multidisciplinary background has shaped a visual language that combines documentary authenticity with a refined editorial sensibility.
Rice’s work has appeared in Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The New York Times, New York Magazine, People, and ELLE, among other leading publications. His commercial and editorial clients include PUMA, Adidas, Samsung, General Motors, Anheuser Busch, Warner Records, Capitol Records, NVIDIA, and HP.
In 2021, Rice was recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Images of the Year and was nominated for The 30 Photographers list. His work has also been recognized with Webby and Shorty Awards for creative excellence.
In 2026, Rice released his debut monograph, In Search Of…, published by Kerber Verlag and distributed internationally through D.A.P. The book represents his most personal body of work to date, bringing together years of portraits and documentary photographs that explore home, identity, and the search for belonging.
Through both commissioned and personal work, Rice continues to create images that balance intimacy with scale, using film photography to slow the photographic process and create lasting visual narratives.
Event venue & nearby stays
Leica Store and Gallery New York, 406 West 13th Street, New York, United States
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