“Bill Cunningham: Facades” Comes To Southampton Arts Center

“It is a joy to have the opportunity to share these amazing photos with the community of the East End. Bill Cunningham is much loved and revered,” noted Southampton Arts Center Director Michele Thompson. “These photos highlight the depth of his magic behind the camera and show New York City in nuanced and lovely light.”

Starting Thursday, June 25th through Sunday, July 12th, Southampton Arts Center, is presenting “Bill Cunningham: Facades,” in partnership with the New York Historical Society. Through this exhibition, the famed photographer shares his ideology that, “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life. I don’t think you could do away with it. It would be like doing away with civilization.”

In 1948, Bill Cunningham moved to New York City, where he quickly turned into one of the most influential authorities of style and society. He started the “Facades” project in 1968, “just for the fun of it.” After finding the perfect location, he packed up his camera gear, styled a friend in period garb and photographed the City’s architecture, in works that have a nostalgic feel to them. Cunningham worked on the project for eight years, during which New York City was facing a municipal financial crisis that inflicted mayhem on its daily existence. 10 percent of the population left the City during the 1970s, yet where some saw ugliness and failure, others saw strength and liveliness. “Facades” reflects the contrast of absurdity and harmony with these surroundings, as they look to the past for inspiration.

“Bill Cunningham New York” profiles the life of “The New York Times” photographer. “We all get dressed for Bill,” stated “Vogue” editrix Anna Wintour. The film is an amusing and moving portrait of the esteemed photographer, which features appearances by Wintour, Tom Wolfe, and Brooke Astor. A screening will take place on Saturday July 11th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.

An opening wine reception for “Bill Cunningham: Facades” will be held on Saturday, June 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP to [email protected].

Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton. For more information, call 631-283-0967 or visit southamptoncenter.org.