The fans were fun to watch. They love Art’s photos. The new show is at the Thomas Masters Gallery running through December, 2010. I looked at the photos as though I had never seen them before – and I hadn’t, not as these large 17 X 22s, and now matted in black and framed. So dramatic.
There were forty pictures hanging, and the first two sales were of the same photo. It was of Nelson Algren, one of five men standing with backs to us, lined up along the curb, waiting for a bus. On a very dreary day. Strong pattern, moody.
The Opening Reception is also a social event. The part I loved best is being hugged and kissed by so many men and I even knew most of them. I met the wife of one of Art’s printers who says of her husband, “I worship the ground he walks on.” Can you believe this? I told her to cut it out, she’s raising the expectations of the other husbands. It’s unnatural.
Darling Dan Blue, sculptor of huge metal works, brought a celebratory bottle of champagne, so we stopped drinking the “house” wine to sip his bubbly. Jane had come in from LA just for the show, and turned around the next day, the new snow delaying her return flight by only an hour. Tony Fitzpatrick, artist/playwright/actor and who excels at all, had just returned from Istanbul in Turkey. Dr. Irwin Silverman, cardiologist who had had his hands inside Art’s chest many years ago, and now has his medical walls covered with Art’s photos, was beaming at the new display. Son Richard Shay’s camera was capturing it all.
Paul Berlanga, of the Stephan Daiter Gallery, had just returned from Paris where they participated in an international photo show at the Louvre. Two of Art’s Simone de Beauvoir nudes were exhibited there. Art’s black and whites are represented at the Daiter Gallery. Paul was looking with critical approval at the Shay color hangings.
Victor Skrebneski, noted photographer of fashion and portraiture, walked around the show with Art. Skrebneski laughed as they viewed the picture of Oprah. The picture captured a much younger Oprah, early in her career. On assignment, Art was photographing her walking down the street. She stopped at a newsstand and opened a magazine. Art’s picture captures her joy as she displays the magazine portrait of herself, holding it close to her face. Skrebneski was laughing because he had taken that magazine portrait of Oprah!
We started looking at the clock at 9PM, and could only move the guests out by putting on our coats. A small crowd of family and friends moved on to eat some Italian food. Nobody was tired. Success is exhilarating.
----Florence
I especially love your comment to the printer's wife, Florence. You tell her, sister. We've got to "keep it real" as the kids say. And no ground-worshipping is happening any time soon, boys.
Love the reportage, with your specific delightful edge. Wish I could have been there.
Posted by: Martha | December 10, 2010 at 06:35 AM