33. Party at Studio 54 [1982]

In a period known for cultural effervescence and the dynamism of events that were taking place simultaneously in New York, such as feminist protests and revolutionary movements for sexual and ethnic minorities rights, Studio 54 became a symbol and, at the same time, an open, fluid space, meant to offer the privilege of sexual freedom and celebrating personal identity without perpetuating social, heteronormative and patriarchal rigor. Thus, the nightclub, Studio 54, which operated in an old theater and television studio, represented the hedonistic symbol of the disco era, dedicated to the cult of pleasure. Its notoriety was given by the celebrities who crossed its threshold, but also by the atmosphere of the place that combined depravity with brilliance and beauty. Among the famous people who frequented Studio 54 include Andy Warhol, who has a series of photos taken behind the doors of the nightclub, as well as Elton John, Liza Minelli, Salvador Dali, Madonna and Robert Mapplethorpe. One of the emblematic moments was captured in the photo that showed model Bianca Jagger, Mick Jagger's wife, on a white horse brought by a naked man, at her 30th birthday party inside the club. "The key to Studio 54's success is that at the entrance there is a dictatorship, and democracy rules on the dance floor.", artist Andy Warhol would say about Club that appears countless times mentioned in his journals or in the photographs, made by the artist. In the presented picture, entitled "Studio 54", you can observe the freedom that Warhol was talking about. Despite the social norms imposed by the time, Studio 54 became a space of personal freedom, where people from diverse social, ethnic backgrounds or with different gender identities lived in a hyperbolized and dynamic world.

Dimensions

width 23 cm, height 16 cm

Description

gelatin silver print

Lot.notes

On the reverse, the stamps, "The Estate of Andy Warhol" and "The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc."; numbered in pencil, "T5K"; the printer's label, "Murray Poster Printing Co. of New York".

Dating

1982

PROVENANCE

Christie's auction, United States of America, 3.04.2013, lot 11.

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