MALE EDITION: The Art of Men’s Style at Fahey/Klein
MALE EDITION: The Art of Men’s Style at Fahey/Klein
Review by Timothy LeBlanc
There are few shows that are as good and as accessible as Fahey/Klein's current show, MALE EDITION: The Art of Men's Style. The majority of these photographers and their subjects are well known. They are successful and effective at what they do. Most importantly, for the exhibition at least, is they are all able to highlight personal style to show who they are. one who follows popular culture or photography is sure to have seen the work of Unwerth shooting McConaughy or Beckman shooting Run DMC or Seliger shooting Pitt for the iconic 1999 Rolling Stones story.
It is important to note that this is not so much a men's fashion show as a show of personal style. One might think that this then highlights the subject more than the photographer, but they are clearly collaborative efforts. Many of these images have gone on to be highlights for both the photographer and sitter. Even the works that don’t depict famous sitters, like Bruce Weber's Albert’s Underwear Designs for Football, Bridgehampton, NY, 2005, describe a particular stylized idea of a manliness.
One realizes as they see each image that so much of how we see, or maybe more so have a sense of, an artist is through the visual language. Of course, this is true of photographers whose job it is to make visual elements to speak for them in the world, but it is just as true for every subject on display.
Boy George, shot by Janette Beckman, sits on the sidewalk wearing early Vivienne Westwood, aligning himself stylistically with the Sex Pistols and counterculture of 80s London. Tupac, shot by Dan Winters, wears almost nothing. There is just his bandana, a diamond encrusted cross chain, and of course the tattoos that are so burned into many people’s minds.
Of course, then there is Brad Pitt by Mark Seliger in a pink dress. It was one of many he wore for a Rolling Stones cover story in 1999. An idea of his not the photographer or the magazine. He discussed it as an alien thing to do as he wanted to wear them without the judgement that society would have. It was an " alternative to modern living" much like the plot of Fight Club the moving he was promoting at the time. Many may argue that the deepest fans of the movie today would find some value in returning to this shoot/interview and reviewing the push back the team was aiming for.
Every image in Fahey/Klein's show could draw one in to talk about what is being told to us the viewer. Though the show covers 50 plus years it is highly cohesive, a feat most summer group shows fail to do. It also does this while speaking to both the fanatic who loves a photographer or some new to galleries drawn in by a famous face. A-Passion-Project highly recommends everyone go and see it.
Male Edition: The Art of Men's Style at Fahey/Klein Gallery is up until August 5th, 2023.