Al Maysles at AIPAD

Went to the AIPAD Photography Show today to see the exhibition and to attend two panel discussions. Seemed like a bigger turnout than last year.

The first panel was a rather uninspiring discussion on The Art of Fashion Photography. Very few images were shown, and nothing new or interesting was said. To be frank, what was said was vague and at times just factually incorrect. One repeated theme was the strange idea that museums haven't paid enough attention to fashion photography, which is just not true. (I won't bother making a list of shows here, but search for yourself -- every few years there's been a large fashion-related show.) There's been too much attention to fashion as art. How about some art as art?

The second panel, however, was much more to my taste: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and Albert Maysles were in attendance for a panel on Photographers as Filmmakers. Both artists made some great points about making documentaries, and both showed some of their stills as well.

Above: Al Maysles arrives.

At AIPAD, An Old Acquaintance

Because Mrs. New York Portraits is working at the event, I attended the AIPAD (Association of International Photography Art Dealers) Photography Show on Friday night. Also, because they have many, many photographs.

In one of the booths, I saw a face I hadn't seen in person in ten years: Lucien Clergue. He was signing a print he had just sold, and looking great. Ten years later, and he looks younger.

That could be because he photographs nude people for a living, of course. Here's what he was doing the last time I saw him -- link is Not Safe For Work viewing:

Lucien Clergue's Nude Workshop

He remembered it, and we discussed that it was the first -- and only -- time he has shot digitally. He was very kind, and came over to meet Mrs. New York Portraits. She kept her clothing on for the duration of the conversation.

AIPAD Starts Tonight

The AIPAD (Association of International Photography Art Dealers) Photography Show starts tonight here in Manhattan with a Gala fundraiser, then continues through Sunday, April 13, 2008, at the Park Avenue Armory at 67th Street in New York City. If you were going tonight, you'd already be there, but for the rest of the week show hours will be:

Thursday, April 10 -- 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday, April 11 -- 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 12 -- 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 13 -- 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission is $25 daily or $35 for the run-of-show, and includes a show catalogue. No advance purchase required, tickets available at the door.