Joel-Peter Witkin: Compassionate Beauty September 9 — October 29, 2005

Joel-Peter Witkin is a photographer whose images of the human condition are undeniably powerful. For more than twenty-five years, he has pursued his interest in spirituality and how it impacts the physical world in which we exist. Finding beauty within the grotesque, Witkin pursues this complex issue through people most often cast aside by society -- human spectacles -- including hermaphrodites, amputees, androgynes, carcasses, people with odd physical capabilities and “any living myth ... anyone bearing the wounds of Christ.”

His fascination with other people's physicality has inspired works that confront our sense of normalcy and decency, while constantly examining the teachings handed down through Christianity. Referencing works by various artists, including Blake, Bosch, Goya and Miro, Witkin attempts to construct a new history for and about himself, redefining the past in a present day context. Visiting medical schools, morgues and asylums around the world, he seeks out his collaborators, who, in the end, represent the numerous personas of the artist himself. The resulting photographs are haunting and beautiful, bizarre yet bold in their defiance – a compassionate beauty that is as compelling as it is taboo.

Most images are available as 16 x 20" and 30 x 40" gelatin silver prints made in editions of 10 and 12, respectively. The 16 x 20" pieces are $5000 and the 30 x 40" pieces are $10,000.

All drawings are unique and range in price from $2000 to $4200, depending on size.

Please call: (312) 266-2350 for prices of specific pieces.
Prices are print only unless otherwise indicated.