Art Shay

The Rat Pack on Stage Performing in Las Vegas, 1961, Black and White Photo

2017

Street photography was Art's true passion. He never went anywhere without his camera so he could capture moments like this one - a priest on a Chicago street "observing" one of his parishioners. Art saw humor in everyday life catching moments that the casual observer probably would have missed. Art Shay Observant Father, 1949 vintage silver gelatin print...

At what appears to be a costume party, this beautiful woman, draped in a sheer tunic, must have been the center of attention. Dressed as Aphrodite, she clearly commands those around her. With his camera as his constant companion, Shay was able to capture moments of everyday life and make them extraordinary. This artwork is currently unframed. Contact gallery for framing options. Art Shay Woman in Sheer Dress silver gelatin print 20h x 16w in 50.80h x 40.64w cm 7ED.1.20.12005 ASY12005 “Art Shay’s photography shakes you up, sets you down gently, pats you on the head and then kicks you in the ass.” Roger Ebert “[Shay’s work] ranks with some of the greats of the 20th century.” Ellen & Richard Sandor, Renowned photo collectors “I’ve admired Art Shay’s work for almost forty years, and he keeps getting better. He can do anything with a camera, but what he mostly does is capture real moments and transform them into visual poetry. His work continues to be an inspiration to me.” William Friedkin, Director of French Connection “Art Shay is one of our finest photographers. His work over the past fifty years has artfully captured the beauty, humor, and pathos of America.” Studs Terkel “Art Shay is one of the best photojournalists I know. I’ve been a fan of his work since the early 1950s - before the launch of playboy magazine.” Hugh Hefner “Algren, Terkel, Royko, they gave us a voice. Art Shay gave us a face.” Tony Fitzpatrick, Chicago Artist “Art Shay is America’s Cartier-Bresson.” Thomas Dyja, author of The Third Coast “Chicago’s Art Shay in many ways is to American photography what Nelson Algren was to American writing: that rare and absolutely necessary citizen who’s blessed with a cold eye, a clear head, and a warm heart. What is it about Chicago that keeps giving us men like this?” Russell Banks, Novelist “The best images of Simone de Beauvoir and her times have been passed down to us by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gisele Freund, Robert Doisneau, Georges Brassai, and in America, the Chicago-based Art Shay, all world-class photographers.” Christophe Loviny, Art Editor, Paris “Art Shay is the best photo-journalist Chicago ever produced.” Arthur Siegel, photographer; IIT Institute of Design President “I have one of Art Shay’s pictures over my desk. It reminds me every morning of my Chicago roots. Arts photos, like me, have the Chicago accent, which may be to say he’s telling you the truth. I think it takes a realist to see the humor in things. I know it takes a realist to see the depths of tragedy. Art’s work is so real it feels like a Madison Street guy tapping me on the forearm.” David Mamet

This iconic photo of Bruce Jenner (aka Caitlyn Jenner) is at the moment of his decathlon win at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. The photographer, Art Shay, s...

Two of the famed Rat Pack are shown here is this playful photograph by Art Shay. Dean Martin carries Frank Sinatra across the stage while the other members enjoy the antics in this ...

Listing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition of 7. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is prod...

Listing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition of 7. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is prod...

The history of photography has always included the genre of the nude. In the last decade, there is a new perspective in considering the female form. Women photographers are able to capture the nude, not from a position of who holds the power in the relationship, to more of an examination of form without the whisper of sexuality. I have recently revisited my exploration of nudes, this time only from behind the camera. My revelation is that I perceive the subject as a whole, complex human being, giving me the gift of seeing them profoundly. The performance of photographer and subject is on equal footing as we both work within an area of trust and curiosity. What are we really revealing to the camera as one stands before it? Ultimately the experience connects us not only in our shared experience, but as two women, both bringing a level of acceptance and courage to our efforts. It is exhilarating to change the masculine history of photography into a feminine one. Lisa McCord is a fine art and documentary photographer from the Arkansas Delta...

Listing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition of 10. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is pro...