James Asava Wins Second Place in 2026 Lenscratch Art + Science Competition
Stamps MFA candidate James Asava recently won Second Place in the 2026 Lenscratch Art + Science Competition, juried by Linda Alterwitz and Ben Hickey.
The competition, entitled States of Change, asked artists to submit photography that examined art and science through transition, transformation, and instability, and consider how photography can reveal states of change, where boundaries are not fixed and conditions are continually shifting.
Asava’s winning entry, Molded by Family, addressed this challenge in a unique way: the photographic series is comprised of cyanotypes of family photographs printed on organic matter that will decay and fade away exactly like memories, and eventually, like nearly all family heirlooms.
Asava notes: “Molded by Family explores the shifting dynamics of familial relationships and the notable impact family has on an individual’s growth within their community. This series shows how we change through these connections, as the photographs themselves change over time. By printing on ephemeral materials, the photographs are intentionally designed to change, deteriorate, and eventually fade, vividly capturing the passage of time. Experiencing life in a large biracial family often brings forth feelings of disappearance, especially when siblings leave home, leading to a sense of isolation. This work utilizes cyanotype prints of archival family photos to convey these complex emotions. While photography has traditionally served as a method of documentation, this piece redefines the photograph as an adaptable medium, emphasizing families’ journeys as they evolve into distinct individuals.”
Learn more about Asava’s work at jamesasava.com.
2nd Place Art + Science Competition: James Asava | Lenscratch.com