Mark Morrisroe: Pre-Nympho Pia and Other Friends | Clamp Art Gallery
Mark Morrisroe (1959-1989); “Sweet Raspberry/Spanish Madonna," 1986; Vintage chromogenic print (negative sandwich) inscribed with marker; 20 x 16 inches, sheet. © Estate of Mark Morrisroe (Ringier Collection), Fotomuseum Winterthur.
Written by Aundréa Verdi
"Pre-Nympho Pia and Other Friends," on display at CLAMP from May 30 to July 12, 2024, immerses viewers in Mark Morrisroe's transgressive world.
"Pre-Nympho Pia and Other Friends," currently on display from May 30 to July 12, 2024, at CLAMP, provides an immersive journey into the transgressive world of Mark Morrisroe. The exhibition meticulously curates Morrisroe's experimental and radical style, offering a comprehensive view of his innovative artistry and intimate social circle. It provides an in-depth look at his creative process and the deeply personal nature of his work.
Mark Morrisroe, a luminary of the 1980s Boston art scene, is known for his distinctive aesthetic, heavily inspired by avant-garde icons such as Andy Warhol, Jack Smith, and John Waters. "Pre-Nympho Pia and Other Friends" vividly manifests this aesthetic. Morrisroe's casting of friends and lovers in his film and photographic work blurs the lines between life and art, performance and reality. His oeuvre is deeply personal, reflecting his relationships and the queer subculture of the time. Models like Jonathan Pierson, Rafael Sánchez, Gail Thacker, Lynelle White, and Morrisroe populate his work, their visages immortalized through his lens and layered in his signature “sandwich” technique.
Mark Morrisroe (1959-1989); “Untitled (Trey Holding Spot)," c. 1985; Vintage Polaroid print (Unique); 4.25 x 3.375 inches. © Estate of Mark Morrisroe (Ringier Collection), Fotomuseum Winterthur.
Mark Morrisroe (1959-1989); “Mesopotamia," 1987; Vintage chromogenic print (negative sandwich) retouched with ink; 14 x 11 inches, sheet; © Estate of Mark Morrisroe (Ringier Collection), Fotomuseum Winterthur.
The “sandwich” technique, a hallmark of Morrisroe's photographic practice, involves layering black and white negatives over color ones. This method produces a hauntingly textured effect, where the interplay of monochrome and chromatic elements creates a visual tension that is both captivating and disorienting. Morrisroe's manual retouching of these images with contrasting paints further amplifies their uniqueness, transforming imperfections into focal points of beauty and interest. The exhibition's selection of these photographs demonstrates Morrisroe's mastery of manipulating photographic media to express his artistic vision.
The exhibition's curation emphasizes the continuity between Morrisroe's film and photographic practices, highlighting his consistent exploration of identity and performance. The portraits, often candid and raw, capture the essence of his models' personas while revealing Morrisroe's intimate connection with them. Each image is a testament to his ability to see beyond the surface, to extract and amplify the inherent drama within his subjects.
Mark Morrisroe (1959-1989); “Untitled (Janet with Soap Wig)," c. 1985; Vintage Polaroid print (Unique); 4.25 x 3.25 inches. © Estate of Mark Morrisroe (Ringier Collection), Fotomuseum Winterthur.
The exhibition does not shy away from Morrisroe's work's raw and often controversial aspects. The explicit content and unapologetic exploration of sexuality and identity are integral to understanding his artistic legacy. Morrisroe's work resides at the intersection of art and autobiography, where his personal experiences as a queer artist in the 1980s are closely intertwined with his creative output. The result is a body of work as provocative as it is poignant, resonating with contemporary audiences and offering a glimpse into a bygone era of artistic rebellion.
Mark Morrisroe (1959-1989); “Pre-Nympho Pia, Young Pia Howard (Nude in Bathtub),” 1982; Vintage chromogenic print (negative sandwich); 20 x 16 inches, sheet. © Estate of Mark Morrisroe (Ringier Collection), Fotomuseum Winterthur.
"Pre-Nympho Pia and Other Friends" is more than just an exhibition; it celebrates Mark Morrisroe's defiant spirit and his contribution to the discourse on art, identity, and sexuality. The exhibition highlights the continued relevance of Morrisroe's experimental photography. It invites viewers to reflect on the intersections of art and life, identity's performative nature, and visual storytelling's power. For those unfamiliar with Morrisroe's oeuvre, this exhibition serves as an enlightening introduction; for those already acquainted, it offers a deeper appreciation of his artistic legacy.
