Dancer Kylie Shea Brings Intimate Self-Portraits to Leica Gallery

Shea's first major public exhibition explores identity, vulnerability, and the power of stillness through the lens.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:52pm

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An extreme close-up of a dancer's leg in a flowing, shimmering tutu, captured in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to create a glitzy, high-fashion aesthetic.Shea's self-portrait series explores the emotional depth and physical precision of her dance practice through the lens of intimate, high-fashion photography.Los Angeles Today

Dancer, choreographer, and multidisciplinary artist Kylie Shea has translated her movement-based practice into a series of self-portrait photographs featured in the BALLET exhibition at Leica Gallery New York. Shea's intimate images capture the emotional depth and physical precision that have defined her work in motion, offering a rare glimpse into the inner world of an artist who has long moved between disciplines.

Why it matters

Shea's self-portrait series represents a significant evolution in her artistic practice, as she turns the lens inward to explore themes of identity, vulnerability, and the quiet power of stillness. By sharing these personal moments, Shea hopes to inspire others to discover the therapeutic and healing potential of self-portraiture.

The details

Shea's photography journey began in 2008, but it wasn't until 2020, when her work with Leica cameras began, that this documentation of self developed a deeper meaning. The images from her self-portrait series feel like diary entries that capture her mental, emotional, and spiritual states. Shea's training in classical ballet has informed her understanding of shapes, angles, and perspectives, as well as her ability to switch between the technical execution of a photographer and the emotional expression of the artist in front of the camera.

  • Shea's self-portrait series was featured in the BALLET exhibition at Leica Gallery New York in 2026.
  • Shea began her photography journey in 2008, but her work with Leica cameras started in 2020.

The players

Kylie Shea

A dancer, choreographer, and multidisciplinary artist who has built a career translating movement into something far more expansive, blurring the lines between performance, film, and visual art.

Leica Gallery New York

A gallery dedicated to the Leica brand, which has shaped the visual language of artists for generations.

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What they’re saying

“The images from this series feel like diary entries that capture where I've been not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is my hope that sharing these very vulnerable and personal moments will inspire others to explore the powerful, therapeutic, and healing power of self-portraiture.”

— Kylie Shea, Dancer and Photographer

“From its origin story to the way integrity, excellence, and innovation have been upheld over 100 years, Leica's rich and deep history is one of the many reasons I feel so honored to be having my exhibition debut in a Leica gallery.”

— Kylie Shea, Dancer and Photographer

What’s next

Shea's self-portrait series will continue to be exhibited at the Leica Gallery New York throughout the summer of 2026.

The takeaway

Shea's self-portrait series represents a powerful exploration of the intersection between dance, photography, and personal expression. By sharing these intimate moments, she hopes to inspire others to embrace vulnerability and discover the transformative potential of self-portraiture.