Can a new MacBook Air work with a photoshop user?

YES..........

macOS and Adobe Photoshop

 Minimum requirementProcessorMulticore Intel processor with 64-bit supportOperating systemmacOS version 10.13 (High Sierra), macOS version 10.14 (Mojave), macOS version 10.15 (Catalina)RAM2 GB or more of RAM (8 GB recommended)Graphics cardnVidia GeForce GTX 1050 or equivalent; nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 or Quadro T1000 is recommendedHard disk space4 GB or more of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system)Monitor resolution1280 x 800 display at 100% UI scaling with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended*OpenGLOpenGL 2.0-capable systemInternetInternet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, membership validation, and access to online services †

Sure, but you are likely to find the 13" display constraining. In terms of power, the MBA is fine. Sure a faster computer would be nice if you are applying a filter or workflow to a group of photos but otherwise you won't notice any difference between a more powerful computer and the Air. However, the 13" display is less than optimal.