Richard Prince: The Entertainers: 1982-1983

Through the lens of Times Square, Prince examines American celebrity and desire in his artist book, revisiting a seldom seen body of work from his Time Life years. He captures the ephemeral, photographic celebrity of publicity headshots, gossip columns, nightclub advertisements, and pornographic films alongside finely rendered drawings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Fulton Ryder

Prince delves into the realm of American celebrity and desire by revisiting a seldom seen body of work created during his tenure at Time Life, which spanned the vibrant theaters, grind houses, bars, and restaurants of New York's 42nd Street and Times Square. Through the lens of this artist's book, which was published in 2017, Prince explores the multifaceted tapestry of American culture, capturing the essence of celebrity and its allure.

In an introductory essay titled "The Counterfeit Memory," originally published in 1981, Prince offers a thought-provoking exploration of his experiences within the Orleans Theater. He writes, "I'm not sure who I am when I'm there or if, in fact, I'm comfortable and want to be there at all. One's identity, it seems, can be effortlessly altered when what is in front of you is reversed and transparent, directed and produced."

Prince's artworks encompass a range of mediums, including some of his earliest portraits. He skillfully captures the ephemeral, photographic celebrity of publicity headshots, gossip columns, nightclub advertisements, and pornographic films, alongside finely rendered drawings that depict iconic figures like Montgomery Clift as Sigmund Freud and George Reeves as Himself.

In the concluding essay titled "The Entertainers," Prince delves deeper into the complexities of celebrity and its pursuit. He reflects on the notion of "third place," a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg to describe a space that exists between home and work, where individuals gather to engage in informal social interactions. Prince suggests that he aims to occupy this space, leaving first for the hero, emphasizing the importance of humility and self-awareness in the pursuit of success.

Through his artistic exploration, Prince offers a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the American celebrity culture, challenging our perceptions of fame, identity, and the allure of success. His artwork serves as a testament to the power of art to capture the essence of a moment and provoke introspection, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of our own desires and aspirations.

Weight: 1146g
Dimension: 223 x 287 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9798985236828