Nirvana

The East River Amphitheatre, New York City • 26th April 1990

Artwork Title: Nirvana – East River Amphitheatre – Portrait 1

Kurt sits on the edge of the concrete ledge, hands clasped between his knees, looking straight at the camera with an expression that's difficult to read. There's something almost bored about him here, as if he's happy to be photographed but isn't going to make too much effort about it. Krist leans in from the left, while Chad stands behind them, looking away from the camera.

The curved concrete structure above them is the old East River Amphitheatre, built in 1941 as part of a public recreation project on Manhattan's Lower East Side. During the 1950s, it hosted free concerts and theatrical performances, including early productions by Joseph Papp's Shakespeare company. By the time I photographed Nirvana, its days as a cultural venue were long gone, and the graffiti-covered concrete had taken on a very different character.

I like the contrast between the three different poses, with Kurt sitting quietly in the foreground while the other two seem more aware of what's going on around them. The building's history adds another layer to the photograph, but it's Kurt's expression that keeps drawing me back to it.

----------------------------------------------------------------

All prints are produced on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Giclée paper.

Frames are solid wood from sustainable sources, manufactured to high standards.

Sizes available:

30×45cm, 12×18”, fine art print only or framed fine art print

40×60cm, 17×23", fine art print only or framed fine art print

59×84cm, 23×33" fine art print only,

84×119cm, 33×47" fine art print only

All sizes are open editions

Each artwork comes with an exclusive Certificate of Authenticity (COA), containing signature and certificate number.

Each order also includes a personal letter from Steve.

Safe, tracked delivery, guaranteed worldwide, with sustainable packaging.