I have been fascinated with the Chelsea gallery district
since early 2002, and have been photographing it continuously since that
time.
The huge
and opulent buildings, the chic restaurants, and the cornucopia of artwork
that often defies description, attract ever-larger numbers of art collectors,
artists, and just plain tourists. And the past couple of years have seen luxury
residential buildings spring up on some blocks.
As recently as 2000, the region
was mostly desolate, with just a few brave gallery owners who had decided
to be the first on their block to have what everyone else would soon want.
I despised it then, preferring the cast-iron architecture and walkability
of Soho's cozy streets. Three interminable blocks from the closest subway
stop--FORGET IT!
Before long I realized that something huge
was happening, there was no telling how long it would last, and
I had damn well better start documenting it. There are now more than 300
galleries in this district, with more opening every month, and even a waiting list for rentals to open up.
There is an excited, carnivalesque vibe to the place, since
one never knows what urban skyline vista, or amazing feat of artistry, waits
around the next corner. And it almost never disappoints.
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