Melvin Sokolsky
Paris 1963 / Paris 1965

October 20th through November 26, 2011
Limited Edition Book Release
Reception for the Artist: Thursday, October 20, 7 - 9 p.m.

The Fahey/Klein Gallery is pleased to present the work of renowned photographer Melvin Sokolsky. The exhibition features large-scale oversized murals from Sokolsky's iconic Bubble and Fly series including never before seen images which will be presented along with copies of Melvin's new limited edition publication, Paris 1963 / Paris 1965.

When Melvin Sokolsky, all of 25 years old and already a regular contributor to Harper's Bazaar, shot the 1963 Paris collection, he forecast a change of language in fashion photography.  Diana Vreeland, asking for something original, found herself in a spontaneous and unique collaboration that combined the surrealist cinematics of the avant garde 60s, aspects of the burgeoning egalitarian street photography movement, and the astringency of high fashion.  Brought to life by his favorite photographic subject, Simone d'Aillencourt, Sokolsky's "Bubble" series set a new standard in fashion photography.  

By 1965, Sokolsky was an established name in the world of fashion photography, and his follow-up project, "Fly" with model Dorothea McGowan, broadened the scope of his vision and the breadth of his artistic statement.  From the gentle floating of the bubble to the whimsical flights of fashion, Paris 1963 / Paris 1965 showcases these two projects with a series of iconic and striking, newly discovered images from the series.

We are also pleased to announce the availability of a limited edition Melvin Sokolsky publication entitled, Paris 1963 / Paris 1965.  This limited edition book includes all of Sokolsky’s printed images from the Bubble and Fly series, including previously unreleased and alternate visions of his iconic series, behind the scenes documentary photos, and outtakes along with a retrospective of the artist's process and development, including a critical assessment of Sokolsky's achievement by art historian Raphaelle Stopin and reflections on both projects by Sokolsky and Ali MacGraw. 

At the age of twenty-one Melvin Sokolsky joined the staff of Harper's Bazaar. He has since been honored with twenty-five Clio Awards and a Directors Guild nomination. His work is included in numerous private collections throughout Europe and the United States. Melvin Sokolsky currently lives in Los Angeles.