Nirvana

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

Artwork Title: Nirvana – East River Amphitheatre – Portrait 3

Here, I moved above the band and looked down towards Kurt as he leaned forward into the frame. His expression is much more engaged now, with a direct gaze and a slight smile, making this a more intimate portrait than the wider photographs taken at the same location.

Krist and Chad remain in the background, separated by the steps and railings, while the surrounding concrete and graffiti add plenty of texture. The East River Amphitheatre had been built in 1941 for public recreation and performances, and had once hosted free concerts and Shakespeare productions. By the time of this photograph, however, it had become a very different sort of landmark: a decaying urban structure that would later gain a second life as a backdrop for New York's underground music and hip-hop scenes.

The amphitheatre was eventually restored in 2001, before being demolished in 2021. Looking at this photograph now, it's interesting to think that the structure behind Kurt no longer exists. The higher viewpoint brings his face much closer to the viewer, and his expression feels more open than in the other two frames. For me, it's the most direct portrait of the three.

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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.

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