Alexa Viscius Captures the Intimacy of Musicians in “Portraits of People Who Build Music”
Photographer Alexa Viscius’s solo exhibition, “Portraits of People Who Make Music,” currently on view at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in Chicago, offers a quiet and intimate look at contemporary indie musicians. The exhibition challenges viewers to see beyond the stage persona and recognize the individuals behind the music.
A Focus on the Unseen Moments
Viscius, a Chicago-based photographer working primarily with film, has spent years documenting the music scene. Her work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Paper magazine and W magazine, and she received the Abbey Road Music Photography Award for Editorial work in 2024.1 The exhibition, on display from February 22 to April 25, 2026,2 presents portraits that often strip away the typical signifiers of a musician’s identity.
Featured Artists
The exhibition features portraits of a diverse range of artists, including:
- Slow Pulp1
- Whitney (Max Kakacek and Julien Elrich)2
- Horsegirl2
- Cameron Winter2
- Adrienne Linker of Big Thief2
Viscius’s subjects similarly include artists such as Andrew Bird, Aidy Bryant, and Lauryn Hill.1
A Study in Intimacy and Access
The photographs are characterized by their intimacy, revealing unguarded moments in the artists’ lives. A portrait of Cameron Winter, taken backstage at Rockefeller Chapel before a sold-out performance, captures a pensive mood, illuminated only by a sterile overhead light.1 Another image shows Slow Pulp’s Emily Massey casually sipping from a garden hose, yet subtly embodying the posture of a performer.1
Viscius’s Broader Work
Alexa Viscius is a multi-disciplinary artist who works as a photographer, art director, designer, and musician.1 Her work extends beyond music portraiture to include band photos, fashion editorial photography, and live music event photography. She received her BFA from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2011.2
“Alexa Viscius: Portraits of People Who Make Music” is on view at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 South Ashland, through April 25, 2026.1
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