Adam Leitzel

Adam Leitzel is an Adjunct Instructor at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D), where he also earned his BFA in Photography & Video in 2020. Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he works as a practicing artist with a focus on identity, societal expectations, and personal transformation through visual media.

• BFA, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, 2020

Leitzel’s artistic research explores interpersonal struggles, conformity, and the construction of identity within societal systems. His work often blends self-portraiture, still life, and documentary-style photography to create narrative arcs that challenge viewers to question assumptions about law, success, and personal worth. Projects such as The Most Important Decision of Your Life delve into themes of transition from youth to adulthood and the psychological weight of institutional judgment.

His recent creative output reflects a strong engagement with conceptual photography, visual storytelling, and socio-cultural critique. Across exhibitions and publications, recurring motifs include surveillance, identification systems, emotional vulnerability, and the reclamation of agency. His work has been featured internationally and in online platforms, indicating a growing presence in contemporary art discourse.

Notable recognitions include:

• Special Mention, Healing From Within, Create Magazine (2021)
• Featured in Photographer’s Forum Magazine, 'Best of Photography 2018' (2018)

As an Adjunct Instructor, Leitzel contributes to the academic development of emerging artists at PCA&D, mentoring students in photography and video practices. While no formal grants are listed, his professional roles in commercial photography and wedding videography support his artistic practice. He has exhibited widely, including at the Demuth Museum, North Museum of Nature and Science, and Pingyao International Photography Festival, and participates in both physical and digital exhibition spaces.

Leitzel is involved in community-oriented projects such as Arch Street Center and Dove Song Dairy, documenting sustainable farming and support services for adults with mental disabilities, reflecting a commitment to socially engaged art.