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Jose Picayo Abstract Photography

Cuban

In an age where digital photography reigns supreme, José Picayo makes no apologies for his commitment to Polaroid film. “Digital is so overpoweringly real,” he told Musée magazine. “Photography is more magical to me.” With Polaroid film, Picayo explains he can capture his evocative portraits, still-lifes and landscapes “as they are — a moment in time.”  

Born in 1959 in Havana, Picayo left Cuba with his family in 1966, moving to Puerto Rico. In 1975, they settled in Kent, Ohio, where he completed high school and attended Kent State University for two years. By 1981, Picayo moved to New York City and graduated with a BFA from Parsons School of Design in 1983.

For the next few years, Picayo assisted several photographers before he began his career as a commercial photographer in 1987. During this time, he worked for several publications, including Italian magazines Sassy, Taxi and Connoisseur. Picayo also moonlighted as a teacher during the 1990s, teaching photography at his alma mater and Manhattan’s International Center of Photography.

Despite the introduction of digital photography in the late 20th century, Picayo has remained loyal to film photography, preferring to shoot with Polaroid film. The 8 x 10 images are then printed on Japanese paper, which lends visual texture and a timeworn quality to his black and white and color photos. While he is well known for his fashion photography, Picayo credits several influential photographers for their impact on his creative works. These include Eugène Atget, Edward S. Curtis, Michael Disfarmer, Walker Evans and Torkil Gudnason. 

Picayo has exhibited extensively in both solo and group shows throughout the US, including the Robin Rice Gallery in New York City and the Erie Art Museum in Pennsylvania. His works have appeared in numerous publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, L.A. Style, the New York Times Magazine, Esquire, Rolling Stone and more.

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Artist: Jose Picayo
"David", New York, NY, 1996
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
This photograph is printed on Japanese Paper. The price is for an unframed photograph. 11" X 14" Edition of 25. The Robin Rice Gallery is pleased to announce, 25 Years of Polaroi...
Category

1990s Contemporary Jose Picayo Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

"Doll", New York, NY, 1996
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
This photograph is printed on Japanese Paper. The price is for an unframed photograph. 11" X 14" Edition of 25. The Robin Rice Gallery is pleased to announce, 25 Years of Polaroi...
Category

1990s Contemporary Jose Picayo Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

"New Woman Magazine, Princess", New York, NY, 1992
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
This photograph is printed on Japanese Paper. The price is for an unframed photograph. 11" X 14" Edition of 25. The Robin Rice Gallery is pleased to announce, 25 Years of Polaroi...
Category

1990s Contemporary Jose Picayo Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

"Fingers" New York, NY, 1996
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
This photograph is printed on Japanese Paper. The price is for an unframed photograph. 11" X 14" Edition of 25. The Robin Rice Gallery is pleased to announce, 25 Years of Polaroi...
Category

1990s Contemporary Jose Picayo Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

"Rotating Head", New York, NY, 1997
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
Five toned silver gelatin prints shot on 20" x 24" polaroid view camera 1 of 1 The price is for an unframed photograph. The Robin Rice Gallery is pleased to announce, 25 Years of ...
Category

1990s Contemporary Jose Picayo Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

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Jose Picayo abstract photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Jose Picayo abstract photography available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Jose Picayo in paper, photographic paper and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 1990s and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Jose Picayo abstract photography, so small editions measuring 14 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Daido Moriyama, Michael Massaia, and Fernando Natalici. Jose Picayo abstract photography prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,750 and tops out at $20,000, while the average work can sell for $1,750.

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