In the summer of 1969, as the Stonewall riots sparked an era of rebellion and activism for queer communities across America, a 19-year-old Anthony Friedkin took his camera and began documenting what he saw around him on the West Coast. His series of 50 black-and-white pictures, shot between 1969 and 1973, became known as The Gay Essay, and it now offers a fascinating look into the private and public lives of marginal LGBTQ people in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
For the first time, Friedkin's work is on view at New York's Daniel Cooney Fine Art. "We hope that this exhibition will serve as a reminder of the distance already traveled and as a source of strength to those facing similar challenges today," Gallerist Daniel Cooney writes in his curator's notes. Indeed, the feeling of resistance, liberation and empowerment that permeates The Gay Essay feels more relevant than ever. Time to brush up on your gay history. Click through to preview a selection of images from the exhibition.
The Gay Essay is on view through March 4th at Daniel Cooney Fine Art, 508-512 West 26th Street, #9C, New York, NY. For further information, go to DanielCooneyFineArt.com
Bobbie and Linda, Venice, 1970
Vintage gelatin silver print
14 x 11”
Brandy with Cat, Los Angeles, 1970
Vintage gelatin silver print
14 x 11”
Couple, Los Angeles, 1970
Vintage gelatin silver print
12 x 9”
Divine, The Palace Theater, San Francisco, 1972
Vintage gelatin silver print
12 x 9”
Jean Harlow, Drag Queen Ball, Long Beach, 1971
Vintage gelatin silver print
14 x 11”
Jim, Restroom, Trouper’s Hall, Hollywood, 1970
Vintage gelatin silver print
14 x 11”
Michelle, “C’est La Vie” Club, North Hollywood, 1972
Vintage gelatin silver print
12 x 9”
The Reverend Troy Perry, Gay Activist, In His Burnt Down Church, Los Angeles, 1973
Gelatin silver print
14 x 11”
The Spree Float, Gay Liberation Parade, Hollywood, 1972
Vintage gelatin silver print
14 x 11”
All-Male Film Festival, Hollywood, 1972
Vintage gelatin silver print
11 x 14”
Drag Queen in Mirror, Long Beach, 1971
Vintage gelatin silver print
11 x 14”
Hustlers in Drag, Hollywood, 1971
Vintage gelatin silver print
11 x 14”
Restroom, Trouper’s Hall, Hollywood, 1970
Gelatin silver print
11 x 14”
Gay Liberation Parade, Hollywood, 1972
Vintage gelatin silver print
11 x 14”
Kelly, Silverlake, 1972
Vintage gelatin silver print
11 x 14”
Hustler, Selma Avenue, Hollywood, 1971
Vintage gelatin silver print
14 x 11”
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