Since 2012, ICP’s annual Spotlights Benefit has celebrated the achievements of women in photography, film, and the visual arts. Through engaging conversations and thought-provoking discussions on contemporary issues, the luncheon amplifies diverse voices while raising vital support for ICP’s exhibitions, and educational initiatives.

ICP is honored to recognize Rinko Kawauchi as the 2026 ICP Spotlights Honoree, celebrating her extraordinary contributions to contemporary photography.

Rinko Kawauchi is a Japanese photographer celebrated for her luminous, poetic images that capture the quiet beauty of everyday life. Working primarily in color, her photographs explore themes of nature, family, memory, and the passage of time through a delicate and contemplative visual language. Born in 1972 in Shiga, Japan, Kawauchi studied graphic design before gaining international recognition with her first photobooks, Utatane, Hanabi, and Hanako. Her work has been exhibited worldwide and has received numerous accolades, including the 2009 Art Infinity Award from the International Center of Photography and the Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award from the Sony World Photography Awards.

For any inquiries, please reach out to [email protected].

Past Events

ICP Spotlights 2025: Graciela Iturbide
ICP Spotlights 2024: Kathy Ryan 
ICP Spotlights 2022: Zanele Muholi
CP Spotlights 2021: Catherine Opie
ICP Spotlights 2020: Nadia Hallgren, Deana Lawson, Lindsay Peoples Wagner
ICP Spotlights 2018: Mickalene Thomas
ICP Spotlights 2017: Lynsey Addario
ICP Spotlights 2016 (November): Laurie Simmons
ICP Spotlights 2016 (January): Lauren Greenfield
ICP Spotlights 2015: Carrie Mae Weems
ICP Spotlights 2014: Shirin Neshat
ICP Spotlights 2013: Fashion Photography
ICP Spotlights 2012: Creating a Better World

Rinko Kawauchi, Untitled, from the series of “Utatane,” 2001