Helsen Sanabia

Helsen Sanabia is a photographer from Corona Queens. He is currently studying filmmaking at SUNY Purchase. From a young age, his parents introduced him to a diverse range of movies and music videos, which sparked his interest in filmmaking. He draws inspiration from the works of artist like Bill Viola, Stanley Kubrick, and Chris Cunningham, who left a profound impact on him and his art. Helsen is skilled in both video-making and photography, and he specializes in capturing portraits, documentaries, and short narratives. His artwork has been featured in places such as the MET, MOMA, and the Apollo Theater. Helsen's art is centered around the themes of pride, ego, and identity, which he expresses through the human form and its various expressions.

Scholastic National Gold Winner for Photography, John F Outcalt Award Nominee for film WANGS, Screened at the SVA Theater on several occasions (WANGS, IN EWIGKEIT), Exhibited work at the APOLLO Theater Afro Cosmic Teen takeover Event (PHOTOGRAPHY), Screened independent student film “MCQUEEN” at the MOMA, Screened independent student film “MCQUEEN” at the Astoria Film Festival, Founded an independent art collective PRIMA GARDEN under the nonprofit SUN, Exhibited Photography at the MET

International Center of Photography (ICP) Imagemaker Student. (2023-2024) - I am a weekly student at ICP where I learn about photography and get professional feedback and criticisms about my work. Prima Garden Collective (2023-Ongoing) - An art collective I founded supported by the nonprofit SUN where we host seasonal art shows for underprivileged and underrepresented artist Reelworks (2020-Ongoing) - Made numerous narratives, documentaries, and advertisements for them. - Completed their documentary lab from the year 2021-2022 where I made a documentary called “Wangs” about a restaurant under the same name. I was able to screen the film at the SVA theater and later got an article written about me by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Teaching Assistance(2023-2024) - I am helping my film teacher around the classroom so education runs smoothly.