MOUCHE GALLERY presents Picturing Prince: Photographs by Steve Parke, a collection of intimate prints to coincide with the recent launch of Parke’s acclaimed photobook. The exhibition will reveal the unique collaboration between artist and art director and the 13 years they spent together, while showing Prince’s flamboyant persona, culminated in an image of gender fluidity and sexual expression.
Prince and Parke met in the late 80s at the artist’s renowned private estate and recording studio, Paisley Park, which was a ‘mecca of creativity’. Their partnership was cemented when Prince requested Parke to be his official photographer, a creative alliance that produced an extensive archive of over 500 photographs. Together, they pioneered the star’s eclectic image producing album covers, designs and often working overnight to achieve Prince’s visions. Through this exhibition, Parke shares a stripped back documentary of Prince’s enigmatic persona, formally hidden from the public eye.
Shoots from around the Paisley Park grounds show a sliver into life off the stage and into the motivating force behind Prince’s ambition. Parke was also a trusted companion of the icon and the shots taken by Parke showcase the pairs shared a unique connection. While reminiscing on a particular shot, Park said: ‘I knew I was pushing it but I thought the shot would be worth it. He stepped back and back and back. I can only imagine he was starting to sink, but he didn’t seem to mind. “That’s great,” I said finally. As I looked through the lens I noticed his demeanour was a world apart from his usual one: he just seemed utterly relaxed and at peace.”
MOUCHE GALLERY will be commemorating the genius of Prince and the iconic photographs of Parke. Picturing Prince will be accompanied by the fully illustrated book published by Parke in collaboration with Octopus Publishing Group.
The “Picturing Prince” show will be up from September 22, 2017 – September 30, 2017.
