Fernando Natalici

Peep Land, Times Square New York photograph 1978 (70s NY street photography)

printed later

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...

Basquiat and Gray at Hurrah's: New York, 1979 by Nicholas Taylor: A rare, intimate look at Jean-Michel Basquiat's history as a musician - this work was one of four Taylor photo's chosen for exhibit at the much noted, Basquiat: Boom For Real exhibition at London's Barbican Centre. This work has been featured in numerous major publications on Basquiat. Archival Inkjet Print. 16 x 20 inches (dimensions include a an approx 2 inch border). Hand signed & numbered from an Edition of 10 (+ 5 APs). Excellent condition. Provided directly by Nicholas Taylor (represented by listing dealer Lot 180 Gallery NY). Nicholas Taylor (American, b. 1953) is a renowned photographer and musician. Taylor moved to New York in 1977 to pursue a career as a photographer and it was through the vibrant New York art scene that he came to know the young artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. It was, in fact, his intimate portfolio of photographs documenting his friendship with Basquiat that rocketed Taylor to fame. The two would collaborate in the No Wave band “Gray” before Taylor launched a successful career as a DJ famous for track-looping (named DJ High Priest by Basquiat). His track “Suicide Mode” would later be used in the soundtrack for Julian Schnabel’s 1996 film “Basquiat." Exhibitions: Basquiat: Boom For Real at the Barbican Centre, London (9/21/17- Present) Literature/Catalog Raisonne: Basquiat: Boom For Real (Show catalog; Eleanor Nairne/Dieter Buchart) Jean-Michel Basquiat: King For A Decade (Taka Kawachi) Jean-Michel Basquiat: 1981, Studio of The Street (Diego Cortez) For further history on Basquiat's and Gray please see: "Gray Matters...

This photograph was previously on display at Robin Rice Gallery as a part of the annual Summertime Salon. Tanya Malott has a talent for capturing the beauty of nature-many times thr...

Born in Liverpool, England, Julian Lennon began his artistic trajectory at a young age with an inherent talent for playing musical instruments. Those talents would soon broaden into ...