“Hi, my name is Paige Powell, I sell ads for Interview. For information, call me”. That’s probably one of the most-heard messages of the 1980s for those who worked on advertising and communication. A naïve girl moving from Portland to buzzing New York City and starting to work for Andy Warhol’s magazine, Paige Powell became a powerhouse on her own, documenting the life of those early years when Basquiat (her former boyfriend), Grace Jones, Robert Mapplethorpe, Keith Haring and Madonna hang out together. This month, Gucci collaborates with the photographer on the publication of four books, an installation at its Wooster space in Soho, and the Gucci ArtWalls.
The series of hardcover books, published by famed publishing house and bookstore Dashwood, is divided into four volumes: Beulah Land, the title of an installation she did for the homonymous bar owned by Susan Hannaford Rose on East Village; Animals, with photos of cats, pigs, dogs, and even people in costumes; Artists Eating, featuring the abundant meals (and even more abundant drinks) with her friends and inner circle; and Paige Powell, about her life and photography.
Even more, Paige has recreated Beulah Land’s installation, including more than two thousand Polaroid snapshots, at Gucci Wooster in Soho until May 17. And to top it all, she’s taken over the Gucci ArtWalls in Lafayette Street as well as in Brick Lane (London) with one of her most recognizable images: a portrait of Andy Warhol in three different expositions.
Even more, Paige has recreated Beulah Land’s installation, including more than two thousand Polaroid snapshots, at Gucci Wooster in Soho until May 17. And to top it all, she’s taken over the Gucci ArtWalls in Lafayette Street as well as in Brick Lane (London) with one of her most recognizable images: a portrait of Andy Warhol in three different expositions.