Written by Michael Goldstein for THE ARTISTS FORUM MAGAZINE
Edited by Amos White V for THE ARTISTS FORUM, INC
Photos: Courtesy of Marcus Leatherdale
REVIEWER RATING:
4 out of 5 stars
MARCUS LEATHERDALE AT BERNARDUCCI MIESEL
NEW YORK, NY (April 25, 2015) On April 24th, the Bernarducci Miesel Gallery on 57th Street displayed a small gallery of vintage images created by photographer Marcus Leatherdale. And it was quite the intriguing environment captured within his photographs, in many ways resembling an exotic line of characters coming through as if the gallery were a parade, closed off from the rest of the world. Though a small showing, the portraits created within Leatherdale’s mind simultaneously emphasize the beauty of a well-fit body and highlight the surrealism accenting each portrait.
Some of the most striking portraits of the exhibit were Dunce (Self-Portrait) (1992), Mummy I (1992), and Icarus (2000). While all three photographs shroud the human body in blackness, anyone can see the emphasis placed on not just the muscles of the human bodies, but also the elaborate costumes worn, creating a fascinating display of muscular elasticity. For example, in Mummy I, much of the body is shrouded in mummy burial cloth. At the same time, however, one can easily observe the model’s impressive physique, showing an unsteady creepiness in its environment. The muscles of the model in Icarus are on full display.
As I left the gallery, I found myself imprinted with a fine display of Leatherdale’s dark circus act frozen brilliantly within its individual frames. If you have a thirst for the bizarre and well fit, make it a point to see his work when it comes to your area.
For more information about Marcus Leatherdale, visit: marcusleatherdale.com
