Richard Prince’s Early Photography at Gagosian London: Revisiting the Foundations of Rephotography

A deep dive into the early works of Richard Prince, a stalwart in the contemporary art world, is imminent as Gagosian, one of London's eminent galleries, gears up for "Early Photography, 1977–87". This exhibition, slated to begin on October 5, will span both the Grosvenor Hill and Davies Street galleries.

Prince's epoch-making venture into "rephotography" during the late 70s and 80s carved a niche in the realm of art. This show is set to feature over eighty of these pioneering works, including the acclaimed cowboy, girlfriend, and advertisement photographs. Intriguingly, several pieces will make their inaugural appearance in London.

Beyond mere aesthetics, Prince’s approach to rephotography was a profound exploration of authorship, originality, and the cultural construct of imagery. “When you put an already existing image in front of a camera,” Prince elucidates, “you've taken out the decisive moment.” Such profound recontextualizations challenge the viewer to discern between the original and the representation.

Prince's works transcend the visual. Pieces like Untitled (Self-Portrait) (1980) and Untitled (Cowboy) (1980–84) delve into themes of identity, alienation, and the quintessential American narrative. By repurposing advertisements and manipulating popular imagery, Prince invites dialogues on authenticity and the constructs of mass media.

Set against the backdrop of Gagosian's sleek spaces, the Richard Prince exhibition promises a cerebral experience. Curators, artists, and aficionados will converge on October 5 for the press preview and opening reception, marking the commencement of an exposition that pays homage to a transformative era in contemporary art.

Gagosian London's doors will remain open for this showcase from October 5 to December 22, 2023, at 20 Grosvenor Hill and 17–19 Davies Street. gagosian.com