Daniel Holfeld, born in Dublin in 1984, graduated with a BA [Hons] degree in photography from Dublin’s Institute of Technology in 2008. Over the following twelve years, he honed his skills in fashion and commercial advertising photography, assuming various roles including art direction, content creation, brand development, and management. Holfeld executed campaigns for luxury clients and international publications worldwide. In 2020, he premiered his series "The Space Between" at the Royal Institute of Architecture of Ireland and later showcased it at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London, where RIBA acquired editions for their esteemed Robert Elwall collection. ​

In 2020, Holfeld was commissioned by University College Dublin to mark Belfield 50 with his artistic vision and photographic skill. His efforts have earned him multiple accolades, presenting a new angle on the architectural heritage of UCD, one of Europe’s premier campuses.

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Today, Holfeld's artistic focus centres on meticulously exploring and reinterpreting architecture as painterly abstractions. Inspired by modernist painting aesthetics, he transforms studies into rich compositions of colour and geometry. His creative journey emphasises 'emotional architecture,' viewing emotion as integral to our perception of reality and essential for understanding deeper meanings in our surroundings. According to Holfeld, delving into the emotional aspects of our surroundings is essential for understanding their deeper meaning.

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His abstract portraits of spaces he encounters are marked by a deliberate ambiguity, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on a personal level. Holfeld sees this ambiguity as a key element that stimulates the viewer's brain, encouraging them to actively participate in 'completing' the artwork. This openness to interpretation results in a unique and individualised experience for each observer, as commonalities in artistic expression are discovered in distinctive ways.

 

Through this visual exploration, Daniel endeavours to shine a transformative light on architectural photography, pushing the boundaries of perception and encouraging a deeper connection between the observer and the built environment.

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Holfeld's artistic skills have garnered recognition and acclaim, with awards from prestigious platforms such as PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris Awards, The International Photography Awards, MonoVisions Black and White Photography Awards, Budapest International Foto Awards, and Tokyo International Photography Awards, affirming the impact and excellence of his contributions to the world of visual art.

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Solo Exhibition

2022, Conveying Space, MoLi UCD Naughton Joyce Centre, Dublin

2021, Conveying Space, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin

2020, The Royal Institute of British Architects, The Space Between, London

2020, The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, The Space Between, Dublin

2018, Art & Style, Selfridges Brown Thomas, Dublin, Ireland

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Recent Group Shows

2022, Photo Ireland Festival, Dublin Castle, Dublin, Ireland

2022, Photo London, Somerset House, London, United Kingdom

2021, BBA Gallery Photographic Prize during Berlin Photo Week, Berlin

2021, Art Without Walls, Campari X Affordable Art Fair, London, United Kingdom

2020, The Performer, Millepiani, Rome, Italy. 
2019, The Royal Art Prize, Royal Opera Arcade Gallery, London, United Kingdom 

2018, The Other Art Fair hosted by Saatchi Art, London, United Kingdom

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Collections

University College Dublin Permanent Collection

Royal Institute of British Architects Permanent Collection
Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce Permanent Collection

 

Awards

2023, Tokyo International Foto Awards, Architecture/Buildings - Silver

2022, Tokyo International Foto Awards, Fine Art/Abstract - Gold

2022, Tokyo International Foto Awards, Jury Top 5 Selection

2022, Budapest International Foto Awards, Fine Art/Architecture - Silver

2022, PX3 Prix de la Photographie de Paris, Fine Art/Architecture - Gold

2021, Budapest International Photography Awards, Fine Art-Abstract, Gold

2021, Budapest International Photography Awards, Fine Art, Second Place Win 

2021, Agility Award, The Arts Council of Ireland

2021, International Photography Awards, Abstract Architecture, Honourable Mention

2021, PX3 Prix de la Photographie de Paris, Architecture/Buildings - Silver

2021, PX3 Prix de la Photographie de Paris, Fine Art/Architecture - Silver

2020, ITSLIQUID, Artist of the Month, July 2021 Winner

2021, MONOVISIONS Photography Awards, Honorable Mention - Series, Architecture

2020, International Photography Awards, Abstract Architecture, Second Place Win 

2020, ELLE Decor Italia Top 24 Most Beautiful Architecture Photographs of 2020

2019, International Photography Awards, Honourable Mention

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Residencies

2020, University College Dublin, Dublin

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Education

Daniel Holfeld grew up in Ireland and graduated with a BA [Hons] degree in photography from Dublin’s Institute of Technology in 2008. 

 

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