Roy Kahmann – A Hungry Eye for What’s Next: Fresh Eyes 2026, Hungry Eye Gallery & the Upcoming Hungry Eye Fair Amsterdam

Some people look at photography. Roy Kahmann looks for photographers.

For more than two decades, the Amsterdam-based publisher, curator, collector, and gallerist Roy Kahmannhas made discovering and nurturing photographic talent the beating heart of his work. What began with Kahmann Gallery and GUP Magazine has evolved into the comprehensive Hungry Eye ecosystem, uniting publishing, exhibitions, artist representation, and an empowering platform for the next generation of image-makers.

One of its cornerstone initiatives is FRESH EYES. Launched in 2012 as GUP NEW TALENTS and changed into Fresh Eyes in 2029, the publication has established itself as an indispensable compendium of emerging photography, spotlighting 100 handpicked photographers worldwide in each edition. Selected by an international jury, these artists span conceptual photography, portraiture, and experimental visual storytelling, delivering a bold snapshot of where contemporary photography is heading next. The latest edition, FRESH EYES x Hungry Eye 2026, is out now. But for Roy, championing a photographer has never stopped at the printed page.

Hungry Eye Gallery, which evolved from Kahmann Gallery in 2025, provides both emerging and established artists with a dedicated physical platform near Amsterdam. Roy remains relentless in his pursuit of fresh perspectives, recently welcoming French visual artist William Ernult to the gallery roster, a standout new talent who has made a remarkable impact despite his relatively recent move behind the lens.

Following ten acclaimed editions of Haute Photographie in Rotterdam, Roy has brought his vision under the Hungry Eye banner. From September 2–6, 2026, the Hungry Eye Fair debuts at Amsterdam’s iconic Kromhouthal. Breaking away from the conventional grid of clinical art fair booths, it presents photography within a thoughtfully curated, museum-like setting, while offering independent and unrepresented photographers unprecedented access to international collectors, curators, and institutions.

GoSee spoke with Hungry Eye founder Roy Kahmann about discovering photographers before everyone else does, what makes him stop in front of an image, why a book can still change a young photographer's career – and what he is planning for Amsterdam.

It comes down to raw emotional resonance and absolute authenticity of vision. When you’ve been looking at photography for decades, you develop a second nature for spotting when an image has a soul versus when it’s just technically proficient or chasing a current trend. I stop when I encounter a sacred world, a photographic voice that isn't trying to copy someone else, but demands that you slow down, look closely, and feel something immediate. That gut-level spark has never changed for me since 1979.

Technical experience can be learned; pure talent and a unique visual instinct cannot. For me, years of formal training matter far less than a sharp eye and an uncompromised vision. William is a true "rough diamond." Despite stepping behind the camera relatively recently, his work instantly stood out. He possesses an innate understanding of light, texture, and visual narrative that usually takes years to develop. When I see that level of raw potential, my instinct isn't to ask about their resume, it's to give them a platform to flourish.

A single strong image is great for a momentary double-tap on social media, but a lasting career requires depth, consistency, and a personal narrative. A true artist isn't just taking photos; they are building a body of work over time. Through FRESH EYES, our international jury looks for photographers with a clear conceptual backbone. A distinct point of view that can evolve without losing its integrity. Anyone can accidentally capture one great shot, but artists who last have an undeniable hunger and a persistent vision.

It’s a hybrid world now. Platforms like Instagram and open digital submissions are fantastic discovery tools. They democratize access, allowing us to discover talent from every corner of the globe that we might never have reached otherwise. However, my roots are firmly in design and print. While digital tools act as the initial handshake, nothing replaces the moment you encounter the work physically. The physical print, the choice of paper, the scale, that is where photography reveals its true weight and craftsmanship.

Absolutely. Digital feeds are fast and ephemeral, images flash on a glass screen and disappear in seconds. Print demands permanence and respect. A book like FRESH EYES acts as a tactile, permanent piece of history. It creates a physical footprint that sits on the desks of curators, gallery owners, and serious collectors worldwide. Having your work printed on high-quality paper gives it an authority and legitimacy that digital pixels simply cannot match. It signals that an artist is ready to be taken seriously.

That is the core philosophy behind the entire Hungry Eye ecosystem. FRESH EYES is often the first international catalyst, the launching pad. From there, we actively look for opportunities to elevate that talent into the physical realm. We bring emerging photographers directly into Hungry Eye Fair and, crucially, to the Hungry Eye Gallery. We are proud to be the first fair organization to genuinely gift substantial exhibition space to young, unrepresented talent. We build a direct bridge from the page to the gallery wall and into the hands of international collectors.

I have always had the utmost respect for the absolute integrity of the photographic process and the physical print. At its core, photography is about the human perspective, emotion and an authentic connection with the world. Although AI is a powerful visual tool that is undeniably reshaping visual culture, my passion remains rooted in the artist’s eye and the tangible craft of the print. Fortunately, however, even amidst these enormous technological shifts, there are little gems to be found. And by that I mean the human brain, the creativity of the person behind the tool that, in my view, AI represents. Here, you’ll find AI-assisted work, which is defined transparently and must also possess profound artistic value. However that final image is created. Our primary mission will always be to champion the human vision and authentic photographic talent.

After ten successful editions of Haute Photographie in Rotterdam, bringing the fair under the Hungry Eye umbrella to Amsterdam's Kromhouthal feels like a natural and exciting evolution. Amsterdam is a vibrant, global cultural hub, and the Kromhouthal gives us an incredible, industrial canvas. Visitors can expect a complete rejection of the standard, clinical art fair setup, no soulless, maze-like commercial booths. Instead, we create a curated, museum-like environment where photography is celebrated as an immersive experience, seamlessly combining established masters with fresh, unrepresented talents under one roof.

I am as hungry today as I was when I bought my very first Ed van der Elsken print back in 1979. What keeps me going is the thrill of the unknown. That moment when you turn a page or walk into a studio and discover a young artist who completely shifts your perspective. I am always looking for the next voice that hasn't been diluted by trends, someone who reminds us why we fell in love with photography in the first place. That hunt for raw talent is an engine that never stops.

HUNGRY EYE FAIR Amsterdam 2026
in collaboration with Amsterdam Fashion Week

Exhibiting work of 200 national and international photographers and welcoming more than 5,000 visitors each edition, it is the biggest photography event in the Netherlands.

Stay tuned for the official launch of the Fresh Eyes Book 2026 VOL. 2, which will debut during the fair alongside a curated exhibition celebrating this year’s featured artists. Get ready to discover some of the finest emerging voices in contemporary photography, both on the page and on the wall.

The book will be available for purchase at the front desk of the fair or via email order after the launch.

Our mission is to guide and support talented photographers/artists on their path to becoming strong, independent, and valuable artists in the world of fine art photography.