Exhibition Review: Peter Hujar Curated by Elton John
Chuck Gretsch (with Cigar), 1981
gelatin silver print
© 2022 The Peter Hujar Archive, LLC / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Much like Van Gogh, the sad reality of many artists is that they are only recognized for their work and talent posthumously, and Peter Hujar is no exception. Peter Hujar curated by Elton John aims to celebrate the gifted photographer, providing a vast fifty-photograph survey of the photographer’s career. By combining the artistic, oftentimes eccentric eye of Elton John with the iconic work of Hujar, his career can be seen in an entirely new light.
Ethyl Nude (I), 1979
gelatin silver print
© 2022 The Peter Hujar Archive, LLC / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Ethyl Nude (I), 1979, is a fantastic example of the work with nude photographs Peter Hujar is often recognized for. The figure in this photograph echoes an almost ballerina-like delicacy, the shot taken mid stretch towards their left leg. The angled position of the model, the intricate tattoo adorning their back, the jagged light hitting every curve and bend of the body – all of these elements create a holistic and impressive representation of the human body, and an equally impressive representation of Hujar’s attention to photographic details and composition.
Photographing the same subject, Ethyl Eichelberger as Auntie Belle Emme, 1979, depicts Ethyl in a long, old-fashioned dress. Instead of stretching a leg like in Ethyl Nude (I), Ethyl is depicted in a far more femine pose in this Auntie Belle Emme costume, one glove-accented hand reaching off camera and the other lightly crossed over her chest brushing a shoulder.
Ethyl Eichelberger as Auntie Belle Emme, 1979
gelatin silver print
© 2022 The Peter Hujar Archive, LLC / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
The contrast between these two photos at first glance is quite distinct, however, both show different depictions of vulnerability. Ethyl Nude (1) is much more apparent, with a physical depiction of vulnerability, with the model being nude and facing away from the camera. Ethyl Eichelberger as Auntie Belle Emme, depicts more of an emotional vulnerability, with Ethyl not only adorned with jewelry, gloves, and costume, but also an emotional face, showing the vulnerability and fluidity needed to express one’s self through drag.
By picking multiple photos of the same subject, Elton John’s tasteful curation allows for a larger conversation to be drawn from this selection of photos. Showing the layed lives of those such as Ethyl Eichelberger celebrates the emotional connections Peter Hujar draws from his subjects, using photograph as a vehicle to do so.
Skippy (Boa Constrictor), 1985
gelatin silver print
© 2022 The Peter Hujar Archive, LLC / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Cockette Kreemah Ritz (I), 1971
gelatin silver print
© 2022 The Peter Hujar Archive, LLC / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
However, Peter Hujar’s work does not stop at human depictions. His work with animals is also quite intriguing, as we can see in Skippy (Boa Constrictor), 1985. The juxtaposition of a childish, playful name such as skippy given to this snake immediately catches one’s attention, and draws you into the photo of a Skippy slithering towards the camera. Hujar’s black and white photograph work, such as what we saw in Ethyl Nude (1), allows the viewer to focus on the lighting and shadow play at work to create depth of the subject. Skippy’s detailed, patterned scales contrast with the tablecloth it sits on, playing with texture and light in an interesting manner.
As Elton John wrote in the gallery’s catalog, “Hujar’s humanity, depth, and sensual insights aren’t for everyone, and don’t need to be, but once his pictures get into your bloodstream they are impossible to shake.” While Elton John is known for his music, his careful eye for photography shouldn’t be overlooked.
Portrait of Ethyl Eichelberger (II), 1981
gelatin silver print
© 2022 The Peter Hujar Archive, LLC / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Beauregard's Dog Pilar, 1983
gelatin silver print
© 2022 The Peter Hujar Archive, LLC / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Elton’s selected Hujar works merge at the intersection of eclectic style and tasteful imagery; his influence upon the arts is clear. Furthermore, some of his images are instantly recognizable due to their subjects., such as Stevie Wonder or Edgar Winter. Regardless of the subject, however, performance, creativity, and emotion play heavy thematic roles, and Hujar’s work highlights the specific intricacies of each piece, whether the subject is a person, animal, or landscape.
The Peter Hujar Exhibition curated by Elton John will be on display from September 8th until October 22 at the Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco, California. According to the gallery, a portion of the proceeds from this exhibition will be donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
