Store Front: CBGB Image by James and Karla Murray.
By:Sara Murphy
Kitsch, nostalgic and intimately fascinating, James and Karla Murray’s Store Front II is a fun and curious photography exhibit for onlookers to remember a New York that once existed not too long ago.
Known for hosting many acclaimed documentary urban photographers who photograph New York, Clic Gallery and curator Christiane Celle is presenting the sequel exhibit to the Murray’s 2009 exhibit, Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York.
Store Front is a pictorial survey that documented the fast-disappearing mom-and-pop stores of New York City. The Murrays have spent over a decade photographing the unique facades of small family-run shops in neighborhoods all over the city. While some portraits are well-known long time New York establishments (Katz’s Deli, McSorley’s, CBGB’s), others keep us guessing of their location.
Store Front New York: Vesuvio Bakery
Store Front New York: Film Center Cafe
The host of the follow up exhibit, Clic Gallery—featuring previously un-exhibited store fronts from the Murray’s’ first photo series—is an un-intimidating space that allows you to pop in and view the artwork unbothered and at your leisure. Window traffic need not be discouraged by their luxurious locales and chic white industrial curb appeal. Founded in 2008 in St. Barth’s, Clic now has locations in East Hampton among its three galleries in Manhattan. Unusual because they are both a fine art gallery and a bookshop, Clic stocks a fantastic selection of photo and design books—including a number of rare titles, limited editions and signed copies—quickly becoming a favorite of art directors, fashion designers and stylists.
Store Front New York: Ascione's Pharmacy
Store Front New York: Ideal Hosiery
Store Front New York: Caffe Capri
Clic Gallery: 255 Centre Street, New York
On your next jaunt to Soho/NoLita, be sure to stop by and enjoy a free viewing of Store Front II, and see if you can’t spot a mom-and-pop shop or rusty old sign that you once walked by everyday. The opening reception and a book signing by the Murrays (this coincides with the release of Store Front [MINI], a more compact and easily portable version of their original best-selling coffee table book) will be on March 3rd, 2011 from 6 to 8 pm, while the show runs until March 27, 2011. Store Front II by James and Karla Murray is now on display at Clic Gallery, 255 Centre Street in Manhattan.
All images are by James and Karla Murray. Have a watch at the mini-documentary (top right) of James and Karla while working on the project by Munrovia Pictures.
