About Marie-Pier (MP)
Marie-Pier (MP) Frigon is a photographer currently based in Albuquerque, NM. It’s hard to pinpoint when they first began taking photos because cameras of various kinds were present throughout their life, but they began photographing more intentionally in 2012 when they created a portfolio of images to apply to film school. They later transferred into a photography program after falling in love with still images and finding an artistic voice in photography.
Marie-Pier’s work seeks to capture and preserve moments of nostalgia and transition that feel like a distant dream. They love the tactile feeling of handling film, and frequently work with 35mm, medium format, and Polaroid film. They feel that the unpredictable and imperfect nature of film reflects the transitory nature of human existence.
Marie-Pier received their BFA in Photography from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco (May 2017) where they received the Director’s Choice award for an individual image submission at the 2017 AAU Spring Show. Their photos have been published in the San Francisco Chronicle and Washington Post, and included in several juried group shows.
CV
Statement
I photograph myself and the world around me on film. The nostalgic, dreamy quality of the medium reflects the optimistic and romantic way I view life.
When photographing on the street, I look for joyful expressions, rich light, and moments of fleeting connection. When photographing in nature, I use experimental film to convey the wonder I feel when admiring landscapes and animals. Even when taking self portraits, I present a romanticized version of myself through Polaroid film.
I am drawn to iconography, memory, and aesthetics that blend the past and present. Many of my images contain a vaguely familiar feeling that sits right on the tip of the tongue, yet remains unnamed. In my work I find a surprisingly ambiguous boundary between memory and the present. Beneath it all lies something inherently human, inherently flawed, and inherently optimistic.
Film holds its own imperfections, echoing the complexities of the hands that manufactured it, stored it, loaded it into the camera, shot it, and developed it. Film is reflective of our beautifully imperfect humanity, through each small step in the process.
Exhibitions
2025
SURFACE: Emerging Artists of New Mexico, Harwood Art Center, Albuquerque NM
In an Instant, Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights IL (juried by Jerry Slowik)
Far & Wide, New Mexico Art League, Albuquerque NM
2017
Pin-Up, Classic Cars West Gallery, San Francisco CA (curated by OFF Space
San Francisco)
Spring Show, Academy of Art University Gallery, San Francisco CA
Spheres of Influence, Arts Benicia Gallery, Benicia CA
2014
Print And/Or Book, Academy of Art University Gallery, San Francisco CA
2013
A to B: Art in Transit, Associated Student Art Gallery, San Francisco CA
Online Exhibitions
2025
WILD, Analog Forever Magazine (curated by Catherine Couturier)
Inhabit, F-Stop Magazine
Portraits: Beyond the Exterior, Analog Forever Magazine (curated by Polly Gaillard)
2017
Fictional Narrative, Photo Place Gallery (curated by Emma Powell)
Awards
2018
Fujifilm Young Talent Award, Shortlist
2017
Spring Show, Academy of Art University Gallery, Director’s Choice Award, Awarded by Photography Program Director James Wood
PUBLICATIONS
2025
UNFOLD Issue No. 02: Home, Unfold the Magazine
2024
Framed Instant Zine, Created and curated by Jennifer Stamps
2023
Lux the Zine, Created by Devon Leigh Warcza and Aaron Warcza
2022
Washington Post, “In N.M. child-care funding win, providers nationwide see road map”
2014
San Francisco Chronicle, “ODC's 'Boulders' hits the floor to salute Andy Goldsworthy”