Peter Hujar, a pivotal yet underappreciated figure in the art world, is celebrated in a new exhibition titled "Peter Hujar: Eyes Open in the Dark." The exhibition, co-curated by Hujar's friend and printer Gary Schneider and his biographer John Douglas Miller, highlights the profound impact of Hujar's photography. Known for his evocative portrayals and capturing extraordinary moments, Hujar left an indelible mark on the downtown scene of 1970s and early 1980s New York.
Hujar embarked on a memorable trip to Florida with painter Joe Raffaele to visit Paul Thek and Thek's then-lover, set designer and painter Peter Harvey. This journey marked an important episode in Hujar's life, as he and Thek had become lovers in the early 1960s. During this time, Thek was gaining serious attention from the art world, while Hujar's own work was quietly evolving into something remarkable.
Despite being central to a vibrant artistic community, Hujar's work remained largely unknown to the broader art world at the time of his death in 1987 from AIDS-related pneumonia. Today, the exhibition aims to shed light on the full breadth of his later photography, inviting viewers to explore the depth and complexity of his artistic vision.
Hujar's photography was often characterized by his fascination with contorted poses, both in others and himself. He frequently photographed people he encountered on the streets of New York, inviting them up to his loft for impromptu photo sessions. His self-portraits, including a notable series from 1980, demonstrate his interest in exploring various attitudes and expressions.
In addition to human subjects, Hujar excelled in capturing animal portraits. His ability to portray animals without anthropomorphizing them earned him admiration from critics and peers alike. These portraits reveal the specific nature of each animal with remarkable clarity and insight.
Hujar's work entered into dialogue with younger artist David Wojnarowicz during the early 1980s as the AIDS crisis began to devastate their community. This period marked a turning point in Hujar's photography, which took on a darker tone reflective of the turmoil surrounding him. He often photographed the piers on the west side of Manhattan, which had transformed into art spaces and cruising zones during this era.
Among the pieces featured in "Peter Hujar: Eyes Open in the Dark" is a previously unexhibited portrait of Ethyl Eichelberger, a performer known for their remarkable presence in off-off Broadway productions. This portrait is emblematic of Hujar's keen ability to capture the essence of his subjects with honesty and depth.
Hujar's legacy continues to resonate within the art world through this comprehensive exhibition. By presenting both well-known and previously unseen works, "Peter Hujar: Eyes Open in the Dark" offers a renewed perspective on an artist whose contributions remain profoundly relevant.