Email Page Add To Tour Print Page

Thomas Allen: New Releases

January 11, 2007- March 3, 2007

Thomas Allen

Foley Gallery

547 W 27th St

Foley Gallery is pleased to announce the second solo exhibition of photographer Thomas Allen. Inspired by a View-Master and “pop-up” books as a child, Allen became interested in recreating these three-dimensional experiences by using old books and pulp fiction paperbacks as still life subjects.

Allen gently cuts around the shape of his figures, physically releasing them from their two dimensional surface. They are brought to life from their pages and covers with detailed lighting and a thin focus. Pulled and positioned, their intended drama comes to life.

In his newest body of work, Allen explores more detailed narratives involving love triangles and relationships accentuated with moments of voyeurism, homoeroticism, and unrequited love.

The book set-ups are more complex and more naughty than previously presented. Multiple books act as separate characters interacting with each other to form relationships and stories about love and lust. In “Wish”, a demure and uncertain teenage girl appears in the foreground, displaying an expression of longing. Behind her, slightly out of focus, is an older couple entangled in a romantic encounter.

Some of these images deal with more lusty subjects, such as “Jackpot”, whose playful sexuality comes close to the style of the American pin-up paintings of the 1940’s and 50’s. Other images like “Distraction" deal with lust and longing between men.

Allen received his MFA at the University of Minnesota in 1996. He has received a fellowship from the Minnesota State Art Board in 2000 and the prestigious McKnight’s Artist Fellowship for Photographers in 1997. His work is in the collection of The Milwaukee Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Museum exhibitions include the Kohler Arts Center and the Grand Rapids Museum of Art.

Pictured: Wish, 2006 and Distraction, 2006 both 20 x 24 inch Chromogenic Prints.

A 32 page exhibition catalogue published by the gallery will be available.

Books and DVDs related to artists in this show

Location map  Address 547 W 27th St, 5th Fl New York (Chelsea) NY, 10001 United States Phone 212-244-9081 Fax 212-244-9082 Hours Tue-Sat 11-6 Add To Tour Nearby: All 28 galleries at 547 W 27th St

© 2005-2008 chelseaartgalleries.com | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map