Neal Slavin: When Two or More are Gathered Together
PDNB Gallery
6 days left
PDNB Gallery celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the release of Neal Slavin’s book and photography series from the 1970’s, When Two or More are Gathered Together. The expanded edition includes an essay by Kevin Moore, along with new portraits.
Neal started his series in the 70’s, traveling around the U.S. in search of organizations, clubs, and societies. Groups include Trekkies at a Star Trek convention, Sabrett Hot dog vendors and Miss America contestants lined up in their one-piece swimsuits.
Slavin’s vibrant color photographs mark a shift in the art world of the 70’s. Previously, photography was mostly viewed as the classic black and white prints done by the masters. Color photography was popularized by the young artists of the 70’s like William Eggleston, Stephen Shore, Larry Sultan and more. Color became part of the subject and photographs became more conceptual, adding more dimension than the typical beautiful landscape.
Bold primary colors shine through in Neal’s photograph of the Sabrett Hot Dog Vendors. A quartet of men stand by their respective carts, in front of the K & P Distributor’s Sign. They are about to roll out into the streets of New York City, serving up the classic hot dog that tourists crave and business men grab for a quick lunch.
Conventions provide the optimal opportunity for interesting groups, as seen in this 1970’s Star Trek Convention. Today this has morphed into a ComicCon convention. Slavin's mismatched group of young adults in handmade costumes is sure to charm even the non-Trekkie and will transport serious fans into the Captain Kirk time zone.
Channel Swimmers depicts an eclectic group of all ages, still wearing their swim caps and goggles from their grueling swim. The photograph featured in this exhibition was taken with the 20 x 24 inch Polaroid camera. Slavin used this camera to document groups in Great Britain. A book was published on this project, The Britons, but not included in the new edition of When Two or More are Gathered Together.
Slavin always asks the subjects to arrange themselves, allowing the group dynamics and natural hierarchies to become the main subject. This process creates a typology of sorts, like August Sander’s document of Germans in the early 20th century.
Slavin’s portraits celebrate these found communities of shared interests, while provoking questions of the groups’ dynamic. Do they all look alike? Do they share similar beliefs? Which chose to blend into the group, and who is commanding attention? These portraits serve as a visual sociological study, presenting unity and individuality in one photograph.
Neal Slavin will be in attendance on opening night, Saturday, November 23rd from 5 – 8pm. His book, When Two or More are Gathered Together, can be purchased in gallery or on the gallery’s website.
Neal Slavin, International Twins Association, Muncie, Indiana, 1972-75
Approximately 1,200 members.
The International Twins Convention is held annually over Labor Day weekend in various cities throughout the United States. The group is organized by twins, for twins, as a non-profit organization and its main purpose and objective is promotion of the spiritual, intellectual and social welfare of twins throughout the world. The only requirement for membership is to be a twin.
Excerpt from Slavin's book, When Two or More are Gathered Together.
Capitol Wrestling Corporation, Washington, D. C., 1972-75
40 wrestlers
The main purpose of the organization is to book and promote professional wrestling events throughout the world. Wrestlers come to the organization from all over the country. To be book through Capitol Wrestling Corporation, one must be a professional wrestler. The average age of a wrestler is about thirty-one. The organization was started in 1961. Famous wrestlers who have been booked are Bruno Sammartino, Ivan Putski, Andre the Giant, Ivan Koloff and Guerilla Monsoon.
Excerpt from Slavin's book, When Two or More are Gathered Together.
World Body Building Guild (W.B.B.G.), Brooklyn, New York, 1972-75
25,000 members
This international organization meets in different cities all over the world to hold muscle- and body-building shows and events. They also hold special body-building dinners. The purpose of the group is to promote physical fitness throughout the world and to sponsor physical-fitness contests. In order to join the organization, applicants are asked to write for an application. It was started 12 years ago by Dan Lurie, who has been in the physical-fitness business for 35 years.
Excerpt from Slavin's book, When Two or More are Gathered Together.
Staten Island Ferry, New York, New York, 1972-75
Approximately 700 personnel operate and maintain the boats
The Staten Island ferry system provides mass-transportation commuter service between Whitehall Street Terminal, Manhattan and St. George Terminal, Staten Island. 6 boats are operated during rush hours, while 2 boats normally undergo maintenance or are in dry dock for inspection or repairs. The boats run between St. George Terminal and Whitehall terminal in approximately 25 minutes and handle nearly 30,000 commuters daily.
Excerpt from Slavin's book, When Two or More are Gathered Together
When Two or More are Gathered Together by Neal Slavin (Signed)
On November 23rd, from 5 - 8 PM, PDNB Gallery will host a book signing for Neal Slavin, in conjunction with the opening of his solo exhibition, When Two or More are Gathered Together. Books are available for pre-order on our website, with the option of shipping if you are unable to attend the signing. For more information please visit www.pdnbgallery.com.
