Lee Shulman

About Lee Shulman – Artist, Curator & Founder of The Anonymous Project

Lee Shulman is a British artist, curator, and award‑winning film director internationally recognized for his work with vernacular photography and mid‑century visual culture. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Westminster (UK) and has become a leading figure in the preservation and reinterpretation of amateur photographic archives. His work explores memory, identity, and the emotional power of everyday images, making him a key voice in contemporary photography.

Approach

Now based in Paris, Lee Shulman founded The Anonymous Project in 2017. The project began when he purchased a random box of photographic slides online and became captivated by the intimate, authentic moments captured in these forgotten images. This discovery led to the creation of one of the world’s most significant and unique collections of amateur color slides.

Through exhibitions, books, and collaborative artworks, Shulman brings these anonymous memories back to life. His approach blends curation, storytelling, and visual anthropology, transforming overlooked personal photographs into a powerful collective narrative. Today, The Anonymous Project is widely recognized as a major reference in the field of vernacular photography and mid‑century visual history.

Exhibitions and Books

Lee Shulman has published more than twelve books, many of which have become essential works in contemporary photography. Key titles include:

  • Mid‑Century Memories (Taschen), named The Times Photography Book of the Year

  • Déjà View (2021), created with Martin Parr, which inspired several major exhibitions in 2022, including a prominent show at Magnum

  • Being There, a recent collaboration with photographer Omar Victor Diop, published by Textuel

  • The House, published by Textuel (2019)

  • Golden Memories (2025)

  • Dressed to Impress (2025)

His exhibitions have been presented at major international institutions and festivals, including:

  • Rencontres d’Arles (France) — large‑scale exhibition The House (2019)

  • Photo Elysée, Lausanne (Switzerland)

  • Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York (USA)

  • Kyotographie Festival, Kyoto (Japan)

  • The House, Hangar, Brussels (2026)

In early 2025, Shulman released his feature‑length documentary I Am Martin Parr, offering a new and intimate perspective on the celebrated British photographer’s work and influence.

Alongside his curatorial practice, Lee Shulman is also a multi‑award‑winning film director, known for his work in advertising and music videos. His multidisciplinary career continues to shape contemporary visual culture and expand the boundaries of how personal photography is understood and experienced.

© Lee Shulman