Hujar's studio portraits reflect his background in fashion photography. He first made a name for himself with his male nudes and portraits from the gay scene, and this exhibition contains a number of portraits of transvestite performers such as Divine and Candy Darling. Other sitters include figures from New York's cultural aristocracy of the day, as well as younger scene-makers such as Susan Sontag and David Wojnarowicz. Many of his subjects are shown reclining, posing with beautiful insouciance.

The exhibition also includes photographs of New York itself, including haunting images of the abandoned streets of Downtown Manhattan at night. Finally, there are striking images of animals, using the same square format film and the same singular approach that Hujar brought to his human subjects. Hujar's work received little recognition during his lifetime, but was an important influence on other photographers including Nan Goldin and Robert Mapplethorpe.

Peter Hujar is an ICA touring exhibition supported by the Arts Council England.

New production and training facilities at Stills:

Subsidised studio workspace: Our digital workstations and private darkrooms can be booked on a monthly ‘studio basis’ (£120/100) and we’re open until 9pm most evenings.

Subsidised equipment hire: Everything from Digital SLR and High Definition video cameras to portable studio lighting - all at much cheaper prices than commercial suppliers.

Courses & Workshops: Book now to reserve your place on these exciting upcoming workshops and courses...

ADOBE LIGHTROOM
PORTFOLIO SESSION
LIQUID LIGHT WORKSHOP
VIDEO EDITING
DIGITAL SLR CAMERA TRAINING
INTRODUCTION TO COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOSHOP CS3 MODULES

Image credits:

Susan Sontag, 1975
Goat, Westown, 1978
Daniel Schook Sucking Toe, 1981
Bar, Brooklyn, 1975
All images © The Peter Hujar Archive, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery, New York.