Bruce Davidson (American, b. 1933). Homeless Transvestite, Subway, 1980. Dye-transfer print. 22-1/4 x 14-3/4 inches (56....

Description

Bruce Davidson (American, b. 1933)
Homeless Transvestite, Subway, 1980
Dye-transfer print
22-1/4 x 14-3/4 inches (56.5 x 37.5 cm) (image)
20 x 24 inches (sheet)
Notation I ST in wax pencil, top margin. Signed in pencil, verso.

"The Subway seemed like a train carrying cattle. The people seemed weighed down by their fate. I wanted to photograph these closed, hurt or indifferent faces."
BRUCE DAVIDSON

Steadily deteriorating ever since the opening of the first underground line in 1904, by the time Davidson embarked on his project in the spring of 1980, the subway had reached its lowest ebb. Emblazoned with graffiti and bathed in the unsettling fluorescence of cheap strobe lights, for most, it was a perilous place replete with violent gangs and the homeless. Davidson however found, in this hostile landscape of decay, a captivating aesthetic experience. He switched to color, from his usual medium of black & white film, in order to truly capture the unique atmosphere and the people he encountered within it, all steeped in "an iridescence like that I have seen in photographs of deep-sea fish".
MAGNUM PHOTOS


*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.