A limited edition series of photographs by Rose Hartman, on view at the Revelation Gallery in an exhibition titled,” La Vie En Rose”, plays with ideas of both pleasure and infamy in a historical context. A certain joie de vivre, or joy for living, is immediately evident in the work, most of which was shot amidst the decadent landscape of New York City’s nightlife(especially the world-famous Studio 54, Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute galas, backstage at fashion shows) and art world culture of the late 1970s and 1980s.
For over 40 years, Hartman has portrayed the humanity in her subjects under their more famous, fashionable shells. Hartman’s photos are uninterested in celebs with smiles plastered on their faces, Her images capture moments of spontaneity-of conversation, laughter and genuine smiles, a casual glance over the shoulder-transporting viewers into the dazzling world of high fashion. No matter the event, she is ready for the “decisive moment”-even the often-photographed Andy Warhol, Mick and Bianca Jagger, Daphne Guinness, Naomi Campbell and Carolina Herrera reveal their vulnerability.
“I have always been interested in capturing the gods and goddesses who populate our modern glamour Olympus-models, actors, jet-setters, editors and fashionistas, famous or obscure, all amazing to look at, and all, exuding an indefinable elegance.
One of my favorite haunts was notorious Studio 54 where I immersed myself in the glitterati nightlife of the late seventies, and attempted to capture intimate moments in a public situation. Nothing ever compared to Studio 54, where co-owner Steve Rubell ushered me into his disco kingdom, where youth, beauty, sex appeal and celebrities reigned supreme. My images were never set up or staged. In 1977 (and a thousand days), I captured this headyatmosphere—and I’ve never ever forgotten it.”
Rose Hartman
Rose Hartman: La Vie en Rose
January 8 – January 31, 2019
Opening Night January 8 – 7pm / 9pm
Revelation Gallery
224 Waverly Place (between &th Avenue and West 11thstreet)
New York NY 10014
