Rodney Smith: Photography Between Real and Surreal

Come hear journalist Arthur Lubow moderate a conversation with models Reed Kelly, Zoe Friedman, and Staley-Wise Gallery director George Kocis to talk about the new book, Rodney Smith: Photography between Real and Surreal, working with Rodney, and art as an act of faith. The conversation will be followed by a signing.

PLEASE NOTE: RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

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Mixing 20th-century glamour with surrealist humor and a touch of whimsy, Smith's photographs are fantastical impulses come to life

American fashion and portrait photographer Rodney Smith (1947-2016) creates a supreme, sublime balance between illusion and reality: women in couture dresses balancing on tightropes, dapper gentlemen seated with cardboard boxes over their heads and optical illusions make up his playfully contradictory oeuvre.

Arthur Lubow is a journalist and photography critic and author of Diane Arbus: Portrait of a photographer. He writes frequently about the arts, particularly photography, for the New York Times.

Zoe Friedman is an international model whose career spans fashion, beauty, and luxury campaigns. Born in London and based in New York, she has worked with global brands including Chanel, L’Oréal, Givenchy, Banana Republic, Lexus, and Ritz-Carlton. Her longstanding working relationship with the late photographer Rodney Smith is reflected in a collection of his noted images.

Reed Kelly’s career as a performing professional now spans 30 years. Reed grew up in dance competitions and furthered his training at American Ballet Theatre and The Juilliard School. He has since been a part of twelve Broadway shows (both as a performer and on creative teams), including playing the role of Spider-Man. He has worked with artists such as Cher, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Jessica Simpson, and with esteemed photographer Rodney Smith. He has been modeling since he was 15 and is the first non-Olympic athlete to be sponsored by Speedo USA.

Film and TV highlights include helping create the choreography for and being a cast member of NBC's "SMASH"; being part of the core cast of "I Am Legend" with Will Smith; and he remains a fan-favorite contestant on CBS's "Survivor".

Now a professional acrobat, Reed is part of the internationally acclaimed aerial duo, "Two Fathoms", formed seven years ago by Cirque du Soleil. He continues to work with top circus companies in the USA and abroad and has been honored as a Permanent Resident of Distinguished Talent in Australia.

George Kocis is the director and a partner at Staley-Wise Gallery. He graduated with a degree in photography from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia before he joined the gallery in 2005. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD).

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