The opening of The Power of Femininity in early March was a delightful evening of photographic art, music, wine, and conversation.
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With Carol Fonde and António José Costa….. My two longtime collaborators to whom I owe intense gratitude…. and the only printers who touch my negatives. I joke they have the ‘prima-donna gene’ of all master printers; but, they have honestly influenced my style and development of seeing photographically more than anyone. Carol is the world’s finest color printer (with early clients Newton and Avedon) coming to NYC weekly from Maine to teach color printing at Parsons. António, the master black and white printer at his Viragem laboratory in Lisbon, was in NYC for his maiden visit. I could not resist having them meet and celebrating our gift of light. They are an extension of my eyes. Thank you both.
Show Introduction commentary:Dr Matthias Harder
Curator, Helmut Newton Foundation Berlin
Opening of the 20th anniversary exhibition of Helmut Newton’s SUMO and return of “Three Boys from Pasadena” ….. (l to r) Just Loomis, Benedikt Taschen, Dr Matthias Harder (Curator at the Helmut Newton Foundation) ….Ted and Matthias…… George Holz, Mark Arbeit, Joachim Rissmann. An exhibition of over 600 photographs including the entire SUMO collection.
Although I have exhibited my work in many beautiful galleries, I most often enjoy having my photographs available to view in an atypical space with some sense of life remaining after the vernissage wine glasses are put away.
KASPACE is an experience. You can walk in and out, or gaze for hours. It is an atmosphere of appreciation of art, fashion, design and music. Ted Witek Photography, I am proud to say, is a part of this space.
My photography is always on display at KASPACE with a revolving selection of images by curator Hilda Yasseri. Original photographs are available for immediate sale or through special order of original prints from the books and catalogs on display.
KASPACE – 185 Carla Avenue, Toronto
This coming November the Cultural Center of Cascais will host the Ted Witek exhibition, North South, East West. Curated by Hilda Yasseri, the images represent a personal sense of place across the Provinces of Canada and up and down the country of Portugal. Sponsored in part by the Canadian Embassy in Portugal, all images are printed from original negatives on silver gelatine fibre by master printer António José Costa in Lisbon.
Stay tuned for more information as the November opening night approaches.
At the encouragement of Curator Hilda Yasseri, Ted begins a rebirth of his flower photography initiated with Color printer Carol Fondé in 2000 — with the ever-present inspiration of Georgia O’Keeffe, photographing them so you “ can’t ignore their beauty” and, besides, “they’re cheaper than models and they don’t move.”
Always inspired by Helmut Newton’s 1987 images of Barbara Edwards at The Hollywood Sign, my L.A. Driver Extraordinaire Manny arranged special access for a few fun mornings photographing with beautiful Teela Cull, my favorite antique accordion, and Christine, the chic laced hat from Maison Michel.
The Irving Penn centennial was the highlight, finding the images more educational than inspirational ….. stayed in Saint Germain —-not having to go far for all that is Paris….
visited the studio and grave of Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione —— a prominent figure in early photography who might have adored the ‘selfie’ as we know it…. my propensity to dine in rail stations reached its peak at Gare de Lyon’s Le Train Bleu…. the through the door glances at the Dior show before and after dinner at lou lou was stunning….. my driver once referred to me as bobo, explaining the Parisian term of reference for bourgeois-bohème….
Always fun to explore new areas and venues of a city, but when in Miami always find myself back at the Delano South Beach….yes, very white and equally very soothing ….. a short walk to Byblos fine dining in the mold of Toronto’s maiden twin—just more palm trees….. recall recent treat at the Delano was an Art Basel lobby exhibition of Terry O’Neill’s iconic ones…. met Terry in Toronto a few years back at Izzy’s opening—- charming gentlemen…. O’Neills work at Delano include my all-time favourite of Audrey Hepburn (and, yes also Raquel Welch) …. unlike so many photographers with all access to celebrities and not a creative bone in their body, O’Neill gives the true sense of person and place….. all at The Delano!
