Artist: Dustin Pittman

Eerdmans presents Dustin Pittman: New York After Dark, the artist’s first exhibition with the gallery. The solo exhibition of archival photographs features over 30 of Pittman's most powerful images, spanning from 1968 to 1982. This carefully curated selection includes highlights from his vast archive, offering viewers a glimpse into the evolution of New York City's cultural landscape and a tribute to the artist’s remarkable ability to document the heartbeat of New York City. Along with the September release by Rizzoli of the first monograph on the artist’s work, the show marks a celebration of Pittman's illustrious career.

Dustin Pittman, a third-generation photographer from the Adirondack Mountains, began his journey as a production assistant on the film The Sterile Cuckoo, whose star Liza Minnelli encouraged him to move to New York and immerse himself in the city's eclectic scenes. In 1968, he enrolled in film studies at the School of Visual Arts and soon found himself a fixture at Andy Warhol's Factory,

photographing the era's cultural icons and personalities, including Warhol superstars such as Candy Darling and Jackie Curtis, with his lens. In the 1970s and 80s, his assignments for Womens Wear Daily and W took him into the inner recesses of the fashion industry.

“During that time, there were no gods or demigods. There was no stardom in the way we have celebrity now.”
— Dustin Pittman

Throughout his career, Pittman's lens has captured the full spectrum of New York's social tapestry - from the gritty realism of downtown to the glamorous heights of uptown. His portfolio includes unforgettable portraits of celebrities, fashion luminaries such as YSL and Halston, musicians like Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, and cultural figures ranging from Truman Capote to Jackie Kennedy.

Beyond the glitz of Studio 54 and the grit of CBGBs, Pittman has chronicled pivotal moments in history, from the feminist movement and abortion rights marches to the early days of the gay liberation movement. His commitment to documenting social and political change continues to this day, reflecting his belief that "the unallowed are allowed." Dustin Pittman: New York After Dark is a narrative that encapsulates the spirit and ethos of each era. Pittman’s ability to capture spontaneity and essence in every shot has made his work timeless, resonating with audiences across generations.