American Images at MEP: Dana Lixenberg explores the American Dream through a striking photography exhibition

Through her striking portraits, photographer Dana Lixenberg challenges the myth of the American Dream. Her exhibition, American Images, is open for visitors at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie from February 11th to May 24th, 2026.

For three decades, Dutch photographer Dana Lixenberg has traveled across the United States, capturing a diverse array of faces—from wealthy elites and influential figures to struggling communities, celebrities, and the marginalized. Through her lens and distinctive perspective, she has created an extensive collection of portraits that paint a multifaceted portrait of America.

The Maison Européenne de la Photographie is launching a major exhibition spotlighting this celebrated artist. Running from February 11 to May 24, 2026, the American Images exhibit brings together several of Dana Lixenberg’s projects and series, including Imperial Courts, an ongoing, evolving body of work that has earned a European award.

Dana Lixenberg is a Dutch photographer. In 1989, she moved to New York and then traveled across various American cities, driven by current events or personal whims. From Los Angeles to a village in Alaska, passing through Indiana, Texas, and Florida, her main focus is always on people. She is captivated by the individuals who make up this nation and the small stories that together create a larger narrative.

Breaking away from clichés and preconceived ideas, her work captures both music stars and homeless families alike. Her portraits stand out for their straightforwardness: the subject is placed front and center, with nothing to distract or elevate certain individuals over others. These photographs convey powerful emotions and tell stories that can be read between the lines.

The journey through the MEP exhibition revisits three decades of work and photographs. Starting with black and white images, the artist gradually transitions to color. Yet, the themes remain eerily relevant: the social and economic crises that affected Americans in the 1990s continue to resonate in the 2020s.

Through her photographs, Dana Lixenberg aims to add depth to reality, capturing the myriad of colors that shape it. These documentary images confront us with the truth—an American dream that ultimately fell short of its promises.

The artist has also collaborated extensively with celebrities. Among his notable works are some highly recognizable portraits, including images of Tupac Shakur, Ivana Trump, Toni Morrison, Biggie Smalls, and the singer Prince. Dana Lixenberg's photographs have appeared in major publications such as Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Vibe, and Newsweek…

Video installations, portrait series, and Polaroids—the MEP exhibition presents a captivating retrospective of Dana Lixenberg's work and her perspective on the United States.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.