Spring Studios Opens its Doors for the LIFE Photo Exhibition
Exclusive, iconic NYC images from the ’40s to ’70s will be shown at the creative hub’s debut show
Much can be said of TriBeCa’s Spring Studios. Arguably of greatest importance, it’s an epic 150,000 square foot multi-floor space dedicated to creativity. Recently, a 12,000 square foot, 360-degree-view rooftop was opened and a members’ only club known as Spring Place was announced. Aside from being the headquarters of a production company and offering coworking spaces as well as photo studios for rent, there’s a state-of-the-art private cinema and forthcoming restaurant. The venue has already played host to a fair share of events—especially connected to the fashion world—and there’s plenty more to come. In the midst of it all, there’s an art gallery and Spring Studios’ debut art exhibition.
The Gallery@Spring presently houses an exhibition that affirms Spring Studios’ appreciation of its NYC home. More than 50 photographs, drawn from LIFE magazine’s extensive archives adorn the walls. Each image—captured between the ’40s and ’70s—offers a fascinating glimpse of the city’s fashionable history. Among the photographers represented, three of the four original LIFE team have works on display, including Alfred Eisenstaedt’s now iconic image “V.J. Day.” Many of the images are celebrity-driven and shine a light upon Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando and Audrey Hepburn. Other imagery demonstrates the sheer magnetism of the city and those who filled its streets.
Working with the LIFE archive, Director of SilverLake Photography Eleonora Flammini and photographer Javier Sirvent curated the exhibition. Along with Duggal Visual Solutions (who also helmed some image restoration), Flammini and Sirvent had many of the images on display printed from original negatives. The large-scale works are predominantly black and white, but there are a few colorful exceptions.
As a venue that’s already demonstrated its close proximity to the fashion world, Spring Studios—a relatively new offshoot of an organization that began in London—is affirming their commitment to the industry with this exhibition. The NYC-centric nature of the show also grounds the venue as a new destination. But even more alluring is that during LIFE magazine’s 80th anniversary, this is a classic partnership of new and old: timeless NYC glamour in a very modern setting.
The LIFE archival photo exhibition will be open to the public 22-24 and 29-30 July 2016 from 10AM to 6PM at Spring Studios, 50 Varick Street, NYC.
Images courtesy of BFA
