:: Birds of Paradise ::

My friend Bjorn Iooss recently had his first art/photography opening at the Rare Gallery. Bjorn presents a new series of photographs entitled Birds of Paradise: Burlesque Portraits that embodies the proud grace of NYC burlesque dancers. In each image something is slightly amiss, awkward or disheveled, as though an exotic bird is preening its feathers, belying its fragility and vulnerability.

Far from the polished acts and bright lights of Broadway, where burlesque once thrived, Iooss documents an original group of characters who create a seedy but regal dream world in a city hardened by reality. Though its Golden Age has come and gone, burlesque continues to find new life through ornately costumed characters that are raw and undone. -ArtCal.com

Check out a few pictures and stare, its the only way to train the eye.

The exhibition will be going on until November 10th.











"Birds of Paradise: Burlesque Portraits"
October 11 - November 10, 2007

RARE
521 West 26th Street
New York, New York 10001
Between 10th and 11th Avenues