We are pleased to welcome Stefan Dotter as the Spring 2026 Artist in Residence at the Old Carpet Factory. Stefan is a Tokyo‑based photographer whose work bridges fine art, documentary, and fashion. His long‑form documentary practice has taken him through the Amazon, Borneo, and Madagascar, where he photographed natural ecosystems and indigenous communities. This work culminated in his first monograph, “RECORD” (2025), created with Health In Harmony, a nonprofit focused on rainforest conservation through community‑driven initiatives.

From 2019–2020, Stefan taught photography for the United Nations in Afghanistan, and his close bond with his students motivated him to organize a global network of 100 photographers who helped secure their evacuation in 2021.

Stefan’s photographs have been exhibited internationally, including in Tokyo, Paris, and London, and his work has appeared in major outlets such as the British Journal of Photography, The New York Times, Vogue, and Atmos.

We are excited to support his new project on Hydra and look forward to seeing how the island shapes the next chapter of his practice.

Pictured here is Stefan’s Women of the Sea series, documenting the Ama community of the Japanese “sea women” known for their centuries‑old pearl‑diving tradition. The series was recognized with the Life Framer 2020 Award and shortlisted for the Palm Photo Prize 2021.