Decagon is a contemporary photography platform rooted in Brooklyn, with an interest in what exists behind the photograph — the reason for making it, and the person who made it.
We see photography as a bridge between the seen and the unseen; a way of giving form to memory, wonder and imagination. Founded by John Manno and guided by Curator & Artistic Director Teona Machavariani, the gallery exists to celebrate diverse voices and to create accessible spaces where every photograph can shine.
Our mission is to support photographers who are expanding visual language and redefining the possibilities of the medium today. By showcasing a wide range of artists, we create space for deeper engagement with the ongoing conversation surrounding contemporary photographic practice.
John Manno is a photographer whose work has been exhibited in galleries across the United States and abroad. With a deep appreciation for the challenges artists face in gaining exposure, he founded Decagon Gallery to create accessible and affordable opportunities for photographers to share their work with a wider audience. John's vision is to build a supportive community where creativity thrives and every photographer has the chance to be seen.
Teona Machavariani is a curator working with artistic programs and photography-based exhibitions. She contributes to the development of thematic exhibitions online and offline, works closely with participating artists and submissions, and shapes the contextual layers of each show with care and attention to tone — occasionally incorporating participatory or reflective elements within the exhibition format.
Portrait by Davit Tchalidze
Decagon is not tied to a single location. We keep the door open — building relationships with photographers wherever they are, and letting the work, rather than geography, decide who belongs in a show. Our focus is on attention and conversation: looking closely, taking our time, and staying in dialogue with the artists we exhibit.