Bash Compactor: That’s Him in the Corner
Hey! Thats Patti Smith! one of my friends whispered. Who? Huh? I didnt see her anywhere, but was told she was wearing a blue cap with granny glasses. Theres Debbie Harry! I didnt spot either of them, but then things have changed since the 70s. We all look a little different. Michael Stipe was easier to spot with his thick black glasses, standing at the door greeting everyone who entered the gallery.
Thomas Dozol is a talented photographer and a heckuva nice guy. I can tell because he replied cheerfully, Nice to meet you! when I introduced myself. His eyes didnt dart around desperately. Thats warm for a New York minute.The fact hes Stipes boyfriend is coincidental, but it didnt hurt one bit in terms of attracting droves of movers-and-shakers to that scrappy sexy gallery, Envoy Enterprises (where I myself have performed) down on Chrystie Street.Were talking sardine can for the entire two hours of the show.
Voyeurism and intimacy is what this show is all about, actually, which was apt, given the fishbowl nature of the exhibit, with the voyeur attendees circling around Entre Temps, the series of 16-inch-square photos of Dozols inner circleincluding Gwyneth Paltrow, Scissor Sister Jake Shears and REMs Mike Mills. It always helps to have the crème-de-la-crème to shoottheres a lot less Photoshop and airbrushing.
The photographs were taken within 15 minutes of the subjects stepping out of the shower, still dewy from the droplets. Shower shots arent such a novel idea, but it certainly imparts freshness to the subjects. Maybe if hed been in the shower with them it would have been even better, but Stipe and Dozol did that already last July in a series of iPhonesnaps along with a cute shirtless dude, and then posted them on guyswithiphones.com. The photos are actually quite eye-catching and technically well-executed, even commercial. Dozol, born in Martinique, uses a palette from nature and the sea, and the gallery notes refer to his inspiration from the
Nabis paintersan 1800s fin de siècle movement rejecting illusions of depth and using bold colors and patterns.
Patti, could I take your photo? I asked Smith. After removing her glasses, she gave me a winsome smile. Gingerly, I asked, Debbie, can I take your picture? No! The Divine Ms. Harry replied, turning back to her lady posse. I took a few side-shots.The diva needed a haircut anyway, so I dont blame her.