Ethan James Green

Ethan James Green grew up in Caledonia, Michigan, where he began photographing his friends at the age of 14. In 2007, at 17, he signed with Ford Models and moved to New York City the following year. As a model, he appeared in prominent campaigns for brands like Calvin Klein and walked the runway for designers such as Balenciaga Men, Dior Homme, and Y-3. During this time, he was photographed by David Armstrong and appeared in Armstrong's 2011 book '615 Jefferson Ave.'

Green's experience in front of the camera provided him with a unique perspective that would later inform his work as a photographer. His transition from modeling to photography was significantly influenced by his mentorship under Armstrong, who encouraged him to pursue his passion behind the lens.

Under the mentorship of the late David Armstrong, Green transitioned from modeling to photography, developing a sensitive and confident style. He began by photographing his close circle of friends and collaborators, capturing the vitality and particularities of contemporary originality, sexual identity, and style. His work has been commissioned by publications such as Another Man, Dazed & Confused, Re-Edition, Love Magazine, i-D, Arena Homme +, Vogue Italia, Vogue Paris, W, and labels including Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, and Prada.

Green's distinctive voice has garnered him high-profile campaigns for the likes of Adidas Originals and Alexander McQueen. His work has been hailed for bringing a distinct intimacy and honesty to fashion media, articulating his unique vision of beauty and creating the visual language of this exciting and diverse epoch.

In 2019, Green released his first monograph, 'Young New York,' published by Aperture. This collection of portraits, taken between 2014 and 2018, features a diverse cast of models, artists, nightlife icons, and queer youth, capturing the essence of New York's millennial scene-makers. The images, primarily shot in Corlears Hook Park on the Lower East Side, have drawn comparisons to the work of Diane Arbus for their intimate portrayal of gender nonconformists.

The book includes a foreword by actress and model Hari Nef and an essay by New Yorker writer Michael Schulman. 'Young New York' has been praised for its humanist approach and for redefining beauty and identity for a new generation.

In 2022, Green expanded his artistic vision by founding the New York Life Gallery in Chinatown, New York City. The gallery focuses on exhibitions and programming that center on emerging and mid-career artists, unknown archives, and 20th-century artworks. This venture allows Green to support and showcase artists who might otherwise be overlooked, further contributing to the vibrancy of New York's art scene.

The gallery has hosted noteworthy exhibitions, such as a live show by painter and illustrator Drake Carr and the archival showcase of the late Steven Cuffie. Green's commitment to fostering a community of artists reflects his dedication to the arts beyond his own photographic work.

In 2024, Green released his second monograph, 'Bombshell,' published by Baron Books. This body of work subverts the idea of the stereotypical 'bombshell' by inviting his models to style and pose themselves in ways that embody their personal perspectives on femininity, glamour, and sex appeal. The project features iconic faces such as actress Hari Nef, artist Connie Fleming, and fashion editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson.

The exhibition accompanying the book was held at Kapp Kapp gallery and was accompanied by a limited edition book with art direction by Ben Kelway and an essay by Devan Diaz. 'Bombshell' continues Green's exploration of contemporary identity and style, challenging traditional notions of beauty and representation.

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