*Sunbathers at La Piscine Deligny, 1975*

Written by Grecia Espinoza

Copy edited by Julian Tsai

Mariposa Gallery, nestled in the heart of France, presents an exhibition showcasing the work of esteemed artist Peter Schlesinger. Entitled "France 1969-1979," this collection features 11 carefully curated photographs taken during Schlesinger's various lodgings in France. These images capture the vibrant essence of a city in the throes of a burgeoning artistic renaissance and the iconic cultural figures it attracted.

*Robert Mapplethorpe on the Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, 1971*

Schlesinger's artistic journey was catalyzed by a pivotal encounter with acclaimed painter David Hockney while studying at UCLA. This chance meeting in 1966, when Schlesinger was just 18, introduced him to a constellation of prominent figures in the art world. The exposure to an otherwise unattainable world was a turning point that inspired Schlesinger's fervor for photography. Over the years, his lens captured colossal figures in art and culture with an intimacy and humanity that defines Schlesinger's photography.

Driven by financial constraints and a desire for immediacy, Schlesinger’s photography was marked by pragmatic ingenuity. He used modest cameras paired with amateur print film, and processed his images at local pharmacies. This technical looseness contributes to the authenticity that defines and distinguishes his work. Schlesinger’s simple approach to photography is a testament to his connection with his subjects and his passion for the medium. Without the constraints of technical limitations, He was able to organically capture life as it unfolded before him.

*Paloma Picasso and Tina Chow after Paloma’s wedding dinner, Paris, 1978*

Schlesinger’s photography possesses a remarkable ability to capture both the grandiose and the mundane with equal reverence and artistry. Noteworthy within the collection is his keen eye for composition and light. In one photograph, he captures a direct shot of Paloma Picasso and Tina Show standing back to back as they retouch their makeup before a hallway of mirrors. In another image, Schlesinger plays with light and shadow in an overhead shot of sunbathers at La Piscine Deligny, creating a vivid sense of form and movement. And in a less common sight, Schlesinger captures a picture of Andy Warhol reading a newspaper next to Rex Reed in the backseat of a taxi.

The curated images selected for this exhibition immortalized the faces of high art. They are both time capsules and windows into the private lives of luminaries like Andy Warhol, Amanda Lear, and Cecil Beaton. These photographs, taken in a city teeming with creative fervor, are preserved in moments of candid authenticity. In this way, Schlesinger's photography draws us closer to our idols, allowing us to forge a deeper connection with the artistic giants who shaped and continue to shape the course of art history.