David LaChapelle Early Work: 1984-1987

The last portrait of Andy Warhol before he died, by David LaChapelle, is currently featured in an exhibition of LaChapelle’s early work at Michelman Fine Art in New York.

Michelman Fine Art (MFA), is presenting its first exhibition of contemporary art with a selection of the early work of post-modern pop photographer, David LaChapelle. The photographs will be shown in New York for the first time in over 20 years, when LaChapelle had his first solo shows. Immersed in the art world of Warhol, Basquiat, Haring, Schnabel and other 80s icons, LaChapelle developed an iconic vision of his own. Over the years, his fine art photographs evolved into elaborate theatrical fantasies on the themes of religion, sex, death, politics, money and consumption. His lush photo-scapes, which appear to be painterly, are influenced by Pop art, Surrealism, Rennaissance and Baroque art. The current show reveals the beginnings of his exploration with these influences and themes. The early works include examples from his first show, “Angels, Saints and Martyrs”, in which black and white figures seem to transcend the physical realm; as well as other series that employ elements of collage, saturated colors and raw nude figures -- recalling the ideas that shaped his later, multi-faceted photo-scapes.

Known primarily as private dealers in important works of Impressionism, Modern and Post-War Art, Michelman Fine Art is presenting the exhibition in a new gallery space on Madison Avenue, steps away from the Whitney Museum.

The exhibition, “David LaChapelle Early Work: 1984 –1987” will run from May 2nd – June 15th at 1020 Madison Avenue, 3rd fl, between 78th st and 79th st. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am-5pm.

David LaChapelle
Early Work: 1984-1987