About the Photographer
Philip Ringler is an internationally exhibited artist, arts educator, and curator whose background spans conceptual photography, photojournalism, and commercial photography. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from John F. Kennedy University’s Arts and Consciousness Program and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from California State University, East Bay, combining academic research with extensive professional experience.
His current fine art practice examines simulation, artifice, and the nature of reality through photography. Informed by philosophy, art history, art theory, and his experiences living and travelling internationally, Philip Ringler often incorporates political and cultural critique into conceptually driven images.
Alongside his artistic practice, he has taught photography at university level, from introductory courses to advanced studies in studio lighting, analogue processes, digital photography, and graduate portfolio development. He has also led photography programmes for teenagers at public libraries and continues to mentor students throughout their creative development. Ringler serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.
Collaboration is another significant part of his work. Since 2012, he has worked with artist James Saxon under the name Relaxing Realism, creating conceptual projects that explore artifice, ritual, and the unstable boundaries of reality. Ringler leads conceptual development and lighting design, while Saxon contributes engineering, fabrication, and experimental techniques. Philip Ringler’s individual and collaborative work is held in collections, galleries, and museums worldwide.
