LONG LIVE THE ’80s!
My Youthful Years in New York City
Featured in Heavy-Hitter Photo Show!
I was at ClampArt, the prestigious photography gallery in Chelsea, chatting with owner Brian Clamp, when he asked if I might have anything to submit to an upcoming exhibit, “NYC, c. 1985.”
Well, I know it’s difficult to believe, but youthful-looking me did in fact spend most of the ’80s roaming around New York. So I gathered some photos, 50 in all, that ended up being displayed at the gallery as
a slideshow.
Andy Warhol at an event. (Early 1980s)
What an honor! The show (which ran May–July, 2013) included such bigwig photographers as Larry Clark, Nan Goldin and Amy Arbus. A bygone gritty New York has never looked so good.
I was reminded by my own photos that I was rather directionless in the ’80s, certainly not career oriented. But so what! Now I can appreciate that it was a time for indulging in all that life had to offer. My photos, a low-culture–high-culture mix, are from hanging out with friends, going to clubs, sneaking into celebrity parties, attending ACT-UP demonstrations, etc. I was on the go in NYC!
Brooklyn guy in front of mural by Futura 2000. (Early 1980s)
Gene at a picnic in Central Park. (Early 1980s)
Liza Minnelli and Mark Garo at after-party for TV special, Night of 100 Stars. (1982)
Keith Haring and go-go boy at Danceteria. (1985)
Among the photos are some shots from the East Village, such as Wigstock in Tompkins Square Park and the Pyramid Club dressing room…
Lady Bunny at Wigstock in Tompkins Square Park. (1986)
Hapi Phace in the Pyramid nightclub dressing room. (1986)
But, overall, this collection is not too draggy. I even chose my photo credit as “Les Simpson” since I took most of the photos before Linda was even born (in the late ’80s). Hey, I’m versatile!
Tom Rubnitz and Les Simpson at ACT UP protest at City Hall. (1989)
My sudden participation in “NYC, c. 1985” turned out to be such a gratifying experience. There was definitely some melancholy as I pondered my long-gone youth and recalled departed friends. But it also gave me the chance to reconnect with other dear friends. And to top it off, my pix got great feedback and some very nice press mentions.
Not bad for my first major art show!
(Thanks so much to all at ClampArt—Brian, Julie and Kevin.)