Gagosian New York Announces “Richard Prince: A Visionary’s Journey Through Early Photography”

In the cultural epicenter of New York, Gagosian is honored to unveil “Richard Prince: Early Photography, 1977–87.” This exhibition, previously shown in London, revisits the formative decade of Prince’s oeuvre This comprehensive showcase delves into more than eighty of Prince's seminal works, including pieces from his renowned cowboy, girlfriend, and advertisement series, alongside pieces previously unrevealed in this metropolis.

A focal point of the exhibition is 'The Entertainers' series from 1982–83, featuring a compelling set of manipulated photographs set against the backdrop of Times Square’s nocturnal vibrancy. This series captures the raw, untamed spirit and the so-called 'sleazy glamour' of the era, spotlighting Prince's adeptness at encapsulating the zeitgeist through his lens.

Prince’s innovative engagement with rephotography in the late ’70s and early ’80s marked a pivotal shift in the discourse on authorship and originality. His strategic appropriation and recontextualization of existing images, including notable works like "Untitled (Self-Portrait)" (1980) and "Untitled (Cowboy)" (1980–84), challenge the viewer to reconsider the boundaries between creation and compilation. Prince's method, devoid of the 'decisive moment,' reinvents the narrative potency of the photographic image.

This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Prince’s creative sanctum, showcasing an array of archival materials and writings that illuminate his conceptual and methodological rigor. Noteworthy is the inclusion of source materials from his tenure in the tear-sheet department at Time magazine, offering an unprecedented glimpse into his artistic genesis.

Prince's work serves as a cultural chronicle, weaving together strands of American vernaculars and subcultures to interrogate the construction of national identity. Through his exploration of themes such as alienation, masculinity, and the celebrity-infamy dichotomy, as seen in works like "Criminals and Celebrities" (1986) and "Untitled (Fainted)" (1980), Prince invites a discourse on the representational power of photography.

"Richard Prince: Early Photography, 1977–87” is more than an exhibition; it's an odyssey through the transformative years of a visionary artist. Having graced Gagosian's London locations in Davies Street and Grosvenor Hill in 2023, this exhibition now invites New York audiences to traverse the evolving landscape of art through Prince's pioneering lens. Gagosian extends a warm invitation to both connoisseurs and newcomers to immerse themselves in the narrative of an art form reborn under Prince's evocative gaze.

RICHARD PRINCE
Early Photography, 1977–87
March 9–April 13, 2024
522 West 21st Street, New York