ABOUT

Emma Bolas is a photographer from the Chicagoland suburbs, whose work reveals not only her and her family’s experiences but others as well.

The work represents the struggles and coping with themes such as mental health, parental issues and trauma that occurs from these exposures.

The work uses staged and dramatic light scenes. Emma is in her last year at Columbia College Chicago, studying for her BFA in Fine Arts and has exhibited in 3 group exhibitions, was awarded first place in sound opinions photography, and a winner of the Weisman award of 2025.

Woman with wavy brown hair, glasses, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, holding a camera, smiling.

    • 2025 BFA Photography, Columbia College Chicago, IL

    • 2022 AA Photography, McHenry County College, IL

  • Select Group Exhibitions 

     2023

    •  "Over occupied" FWBW, The Hokin Gallery - Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL 

    2024

    • "Sole Provider" After Everything, The Hokin Gallery - Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL

    • "Doll House" FWBW, Arcade Gallery - Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL 

    2025

    • "Where We Go" between here & there, The Hokin Gallery - Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL

  • 2024

    • Photography Sound Opinions  

    2025

    • Albert P. Weisman Award