Welcome to HAPAX, an independent lens-based arts organisation commissioning the creation of new images and ideas in our bi-annual print publication, HAPAX Magazine, and hosting photographic exhibitions and events in our London project space, HAPAX Living Room.

HAPAX is co-directed by Christiane Monarchi and Gordon MacDonald and takes its name from the literary term ‘hapax legomenon’ describing something unique, new and ‘said only once’. HAPAX makes this idea visual by commissioning international lens-based artists and curators who are keen to test new ideas which depart from their previously established creative practice. The result: a magazine quite distinct from the established model, as the content hasn’t existed before, and will only be seen in its printed pages. Twice a year we publish these new photographic projects in beautifully designed and printed volumes - and we don’t share this work on the internet. Proceeds from sales of magazines are reinvested into future publishing commissions, to support photographic projects and the creative professionals making them. To date, we have supported 50 new photographic projects whose images have been published first in HAPAX.

From Spring 2025, HAPAX presents a new project and exhibition space, HAPAX Living Room, dedicated to showing new or experimental forms of lens-based art in the living room of our office, part of the creative spaces of Empress Studios, in Earls Court, London. We are committed to enabling and facilitating new photographic ideas - in our publications and now in person, in our project space. Please get in touch to find our more about the magazines, how to visit us, propose a project or take part in an event.

In an age of visual overload and repetition, HAPAX creates a space to incubate new ideas, share them with an audience, and also keep them special.