ThiscomingNovemberthe 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 theNovember 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.”
Ted seldom passes through a city without getting a glimpse of a current photography exhibition. ” I spend a significant portion of my down time viewing of photography books as relaxing inspiration, but I enjoy most being very close to a print, especially when prepared in classic silver gelatine style” Before all of my travels, I scan the notices of shows that I believe will be of aesthetic interest and often pass through on my way from or to the airport. I do not need much time to be inspired.”
In Full Light
Herb Ritts
Cultural Center of Cascais
Having seen a small collection of Herb Ritts’ vintage prints on display earlier this year at London’s Hamilton Gallery, I was pleased to learn of the 106 print show “In Full Light” at The Cultural Center of Cascais (through January 21st) in my former neighborhood just outside Lisbon. Ritts, born in LA and with us for only 50 years before his death in 2002, was behind numerous iconic fashion photographs and advertisements of our time as well as direction of several commercials and music videos such as Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” (with extraordinary contributions from mother nature that few realize).
It is not difficult to appreciate each and every one of these photographs; however, the high proportion of images captured outside the studio are most illustrative of his aesthetic genius. Curator Alessandra Mauro notes his California upbringing was behind “his natural inclination for light, materials, and color,” with several images reflecting ‘the tactile elements of materials exalting the human skin in relation to water, sand, fabric, and mud.’ In simple words, he spent a lot of time with his camera on the beach.
In addition to beauty and fashion, there is a large display of his portraits, including the iconic Madonna who was on hand to open the exhibition in her new home in Portugal.
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!
The first Ted Witek Art Photography Book from a new series published by KA Magazine Group. THE LOST STUDIOS features work from Ted Witek’s Hotel Bogota and Fabrica Manequim series photographed in Berlin and Lisbon. All images have been previously curated by Hilda Yasseri and now edited by Allwood Agency and KA to create a spectacular 32 page soft cover, offset printed, black and white art book. Both series being photographed in spaces that now no longer exist in 2016, and thus are to Ted, his “Lost Studios”.
Book available to purchase at KASPACE – 185 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto
Allwood Gallery of Modern Art (A.G.O.M.A.), KA Bookshop, Ethical Fashion, Lifestyle Boutique and Cafe – Leslieville, Toronto.
Since the creation of KA Magazine, Kevin Allwood’s vision has been to expand the print magazine into a live retail experience in which the viewer is immersed in the world of KA. In 2015, this vision came to life with the opening of KASPACE, a “concept shop” union between culture and commerce, promoting slow shopping and reflecting wellness, creativity and lifestyle over object acquisition.
KA selected Ted Witek as the first artist to put in showcase within A.G.O.M.A. A series of eight photographs in three sizes are displayed in a mosaic style art wall, which will be home in February to the cafe portion of the space. Visitors will be able to sit and enjoy time in KASPACE while reading a magazine and being inspired by the fine art photography by Ted Witek.
Located at 185 Carlaw Avenue in Toronto, KASPACE is first and foremost a street front showroom for the brands within the KA MAGAZINE GROUP. It is home to the Allwood Gallery of Modern Art (A.G.O.M.A.), KA Bookshop, Ethical Fashion, Lifestyle Boutique and coming soon, KA Cafe. The industrial space has been completely reimagined and designed by Kevin Allwood to be a hub of creativity and inspiration in a world where he believes retail is in need of a re-birth.
Limited Edition prints of Ted Witek photographs will also be available this February 2016 online at shop.ka-space.com
In 2004 photographer Ted Witek discovered Berlin’s historic Hotel Bogota, host to some of the biggest political, cultural and literary figures of the twenties and thirties. Among them: jazz legend Benny Goodman, avant-guard fashion photographer Yva – and her prized pupil Helmut Newton, who’s prolific and erotic photos were later to become a mainstay of Vogue and other fashion books…
