New York 1970
In New York 1970, I sought to capture the raw energy and tumultuous history of that time and place. This textured and expressive piece portrays a woman and a gay man navigating the nightlife, even as they face police harassment, a stark reflection of the era’s struggles. The scene is set just outside the iconic Studio 54, a beacon of disco culture and a fusion of gay, bisexual, and straight patrons. My subjects are seen in the after-hours, the night still rich with possibility and adventure, despite the encroaching police presence.
The painting, chaotic and almost unhinged, mirrors the nature of New York City during this time. An evocative palette of purples and blues enhances the depth and vibrancy of the piece. This visual narrative is a testament to resilience, perfect for those who appreciate history, activism, and the power of storytelling through art. Against the backdrop of tension, the woman in the painting captures the camera's attention, striking a daring pose. This is her defiance, her proclamation that the joy and freedom of the night cannot be stolen from her. Her companion, too, reveals a quiet resistance, opening his jacket to display the phrase “No butt, no putt” emblazoned on his shirt—a wry commentary, perhaps, on the era's attitudes and prejudices. Their resilience shines through, capturing the spirit of an era and the relentless pursuit of fun, freedom, and self-expression.
In New York 1970, I sought to capture the raw energy and tumultuous history of that time and place. This textured and expressive piece portrays a woman and a gay man navigating the nightlife, even as they face police harassment, a stark reflection of the era’s struggles. The scene is set just outside the iconic Studio 54, a beacon of disco culture and a fusion of gay, bisexual, and straight patrons. My subjects are seen in the after-hours, the night still rich with possibility and adventure, despite the encroaching police presence.
The painting, chaotic and almost unhinged, mirrors the nature of New York City during this time. An evocative palette of purples and blues enhances the depth and vibrancy of the piece. This visual narrative is a testament to resilience, perfect for those who appreciate history, activism, and the power of storytelling through art. Against the backdrop of tension, the woman in the painting captures the camera's attention, striking a daring pose. This is her defiance, her proclamation that the joy and freedom of the night cannot be stolen from her. Her companion, too, reveals a quiet resistance, opening his jacket to display the phrase “No butt, no putt” emblazoned on his shirt—a wry commentary, perhaps, on the era's attitudes and prejudices. Their resilience shines through, capturing the spirit of an era and the relentless pursuit of fun, freedom, and self-expression.
In New York 1970, I sought to capture the raw energy and tumultuous history of that time and place. This textured and expressive piece portrays a woman and a gay man navigating the nightlife, even as they face police harassment, a stark reflection of the era’s struggles. The scene is set just outside the iconic Studio 54, a beacon of disco culture and a fusion of gay, bisexual, and straight patrons. My subjects are seen in the after-hours, the night still rich with possibility and adventure, despite the encroaching police presence.
The painting, chaotic and almost unhinged, mirrors the nature of New York City during this time. An evocative palette of purples and blues enhances the depth and vibrancy of the piece. This visual narrative is a testament to resilience, perfect for those who appreciate history, activism, and the power of storytelling through art. Against the backdrop of tension, the woman in the painting captures the camera's attention, striking a daring pose. This is her defiance, her proclamation that the joy and freedom of the night cannot be stolen from her. Her companion, too, reveals a quiet resistance, opening his jacket to display the phrase “No butt, no putt” emblazoned on his shirt—a wry commentary, perhaps, on the era's attitudes and prejudices. Their resilience shines through, capturing the spirit of an era and the relentless pursuit of fun, freedom, and self-expression.
Type: Original Art
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Size: 16 x 20 in
