Abstract Photography

Dondi White, Zephyr & Charlie Ahearn ‘Heroin Kills' Subway Art Photograph 1981. A rare, historic, early 1980s Bronx, New York graffiti photograph by Cha...

SoHo Fire Escapes, New York, 1984 by Fernando Natalici: The simplicity & grace of iconic New York architecture rendered timeless by the snap of the camera. A window into a street photographer's decisive moment. A window into, not only the New York of 'then', but the hidden poetry of urban architecture... Archival Inkjet Print. Approximately 12 x 18 inches (image size: approx 12 x 17in.). Hand signed from an edition of 20. Obtained directly from artist. Excellent condition. New York based photographer Fernando Natalici is best known for his iconographic documentation of the downtown Manhattan art scene of the mid/late 70's and early 80's. Natalici’s portfolio includes sought after images of a young Patti Smith, Blondie, Talking Heads, Keith Haring, The Ramones and more. As an Art Director, Fernando has played a key role in creating memorable visuals for historic NY venues such as CBGB's, The Mudd Club, Area and Danceteria. Soho Building Architecture, A Brief History The SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District comprises about 500 buildings, many of which are characterized by their cast-iron facades. Development of the district began in the late 18th century. The population surged after the War of 1812, and some homes from this era still remain. The latter half of the 19th century saw the district evolve into a center of commerce and entertainment, and the majority of the cast-iron buildings the district is known for were constructed during this period. The use of cast-iron allowed for ornate facades that were a much cheaper alternative to granite and marble. However, an increase of industrial production along with rising crime and “immorality” steadily drove residents out of the area. The district began to decline in the early 20th century, leaving many spaces vacant for decades and leading some to refer to the area as Hell’s Hundred Acres. 

It was not until the late 1960s that artists became attracted to the area because the large, unoccupied loft spaces made affordable studios. Many of those who moved into the area lived in their workspaces, even though it was illegal to do so, and the area was not sufficiently equipped for residential life, lacking basic necessities. At the same time, the entire landscape of SoHo was threatened by plans to build the Lower Manhattan Expressway (LOMEX) - a proposed ten-lane elevated highway that would require the demolition of much of SoHo and Little Italy. Artists in the area collaborated with other preservation advocates in the first, unsuccessful attempt to designate SoHo as a historic district for its architectural significance. Although that failed, they also formed Artists Against the Expressway and ultimately helped defeat the plans for LOMEX, which saved the architecture in the area. The “SoHo Effect” has become a model for repurposing an industrial district for mixed use, both commercial and residential, while preserving much of the existing structural integrity. Today SoHo is known for its unique cast-iron architecture, desirable loft living...

Iris Eye #13, an edition of 2, is part of the artist's "At The Center of Seeing" Series. This archival pigment print is printed on Epson Enhanced Matte paper. Image size is 57" x 32...

An urban youth shrouds his head in a blue sweater as he coils up against a blue Soho wall marked with Graffiti. Reminiscent of Picasso's Blue Period, the photograph is characteriz...

'Spring Couplet' ('Mono No Aware' Series) 24 x 36" edition Limited edition archival photograph, hand signed and numbered. Unframed _________________ The dance of the cherry blossoms ...

'Cicatrices (2)' Limited edition archival photograph. Unframed, hand signed and numbered _________________ Scars of birthing in the unfolding leaf pattern of the giant graceful Agav...

'Spring Rain' ('Mono No Aware' Series) 24 x 36" edition Limited edition archival photograph, hand signed and numbered. Unframed _________________ The cherry blossoms burst from naked...

Urban Graffiti Art Wall Painting photograph on New York Street has an onlooker who looks like the art he's looking at. The image is a synthesis of art and viewer. The yellow abstract pattern on the viewer's shirt echos the yellow patterns on the buildings. The photograph celebrates the Graffiti Artists of New York. Late golden light enhances all-over abstract patterns and integrates the old architecture with the new street art...

"The higher you build your barriers the taller I become" The Berlin Wall, 1989 by legendary photo journalist, Leni Sinclair - a Kresge Foundation Eminent Artist (see The Guardian UK, Jan. 28, 2016) & legendary documenterian of 60's counter-cultural America. Archival inkjet print. Dimensions: 11 x 14 inches including borders. Hand signed, titled & dated in ink on the lower margins. Acquired directly from artist. Lot 180...

An unexpectedly bright magenta wall serves as a background for a hatted passerby. In 1970 very few people were shooting in color, and just a handful of photographers exploited the co...

Ernest Hemingway's house, Ketchum, Idaho, 30 June 2011 On the other side of this door, in the foyer, Ernest Hemingway ended his life with a shotgun. Photographed by Jonathan Becker...

Listing includes framing with UV plexi, free shipping in the US, and 14-day return policy. Corinne Vionnet Mecca from the series "Photo Opportunities" 15 x 20 inch archival pigmen...