The American photographer Peter Hujar came to recognition for his gritty, tough and glamorous black and white images of the downtown New York scene taken during the 1970s and 80s. Until his untimely death from AIDS in 1987, he was a key player in the group of artists, musicians, writers, and performers who made the city so compelling at this time, and he left behind a complex and profound body of work that has become posthumously celebrated. Ahead of a show of his work at Maureen Paley in London, Danielle speaks to gallery owner Maureen Paley and also to the writer and photography critic Vince Aletti, who was Peter’s close friend, neighbour, fellow-party goer, and portrait sitter.

Image: Peter Hujar 
Fran Lebowitz (at Home in Morristown), 1974
© 1987 The Peter Hujar Archive LLC, courtesy Maureen Paley, London and The Peter Hujar Archive

Peter Hujar

Adventures in visual culture. With journalist Danielle Radojcin

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Visual Arts

Designer Harry Nuriev and Carpenters Workshop Gallery co-founder Loïc Le Gaillard discuss challenging traditional boundaries around design.

Carpenters Workshop Gallery and transformative design

Alexander McQueen's Sarabande Foundation was set up before the late fashion designer's death to support and nurture multidisciplinary artistic talent. Chief Executive Trino Verkade speaks to Simon Chilvers about its mission and future plans.

Lee Alexander McQueen's Sarabande Foundation

Who was Pauline Boty? With her blonde, backcombed hairstyle and It Girl charm, this pioneer of Pop Art embodied  the 1960s scene in London, hanging with Bob Dylan, posing for David Bailey, and acting with Michael Caine. As a new generation discovers her work, Danielle Radojcin and guests explore the tragically short life and burgeoning legacy of this extraordinary woman.

Reframing Pauline Boty

Of her work, which addresses legacies of colonialism and slavery, British artist Lubaina Himid says she is "filling in the gaps of history." The Turner Prize winner, who turns 70 this year, discusses her new show.

Filling in the gaps: Lubaina Himid

British artist David Remfry reflects on his life as an artist, from 60s London, to 20 years spent living in the Chelsea Hotel to a triumph at the Royal Academy  - and the famous people who have sat for him along the way.

Peter Hujar

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