David Seidner: Fragments, 1977-99

Seidner’s undeniable talent radiated too brightly to escape notice. In an age defying feat, at the blossoming age of twenty-two, he signed an exclusive contract with Yves Saint Laurent as a fashion photographer. He was also a prolific editorial photographer, gracing the revered pages of publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, The New York Times and international editions of Vogue. 

“Even though he photographed with and for the leading fashion designers of his time, Seidner was an artist who made work no matter where it appeared or how it circulated,” said Elisabeth Sherman, ICP’s Senior Curator and Director of Exhibitions and Collections. A stylist with whom he collaborated closely on many occasions later reflected, “David was too much of an artist, and yet the artist himself didn’t think he was enough of one. He didn’t fit perfectly in one world or the other. He was sort of an abyss unto himself.”

Seidner’s lens wielded visionary power, adept at effortlessly capturing the subtle nuances of his diverse subjects. His comprehensive body extended through a spectrum of fields, underscoring his multi-hyphenate nature. From fine art to photography, fragmented portrait studies, images of ground-breaking dancers and choreographers, to his final project of abstracted studies of orchids, Seidner’s artistic ingenuity was abundant and knew no confinement. 

ICP will unveil the full spectrum and depth of Seidner’s work and career, a showcase that marks their 50th anniversary – one not to be missed.