In his first book, Queer Atlanta Fine Art photographer David Clifton-Stown celebrates the diversity and liveliness of the art scene of Atlanta. “After a long break: portraits from the creative community of Atlanta” presents 100 portraits of painters, sculptors, writers, burlesque artists, dancers, actors, gallerists and other beloved and influential artists who call Atlanta at home.
The journey of Clifton-Stawn to release his debut book was long, as the title refers. He started as a photographer in his early 1920s, but fell away from the medium after his partner died of AIDS. He took the camera back in his fifty to start this project, but was once again put on a sideline by the COVID-19 Pandemie. After receiving the office of the mayor of Cultural Affairs’ 2022-23 Emerging Artist Award, he was inspired to complete the project that describes as a celebration of the people who form the art community of Atlanta.
“When I was photographing people, we would usually hang out [in my studio] Talking and getting to know each other for a few hours before we even started photographing, “he said.” We had great conversations about their points of view about art and their own practice and process. ”
“After a long break,” says Clifton-Stown, the quote from the iconic portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz embodies: “If I say I want to photograph someone, it really means I would like to know them.” In his work, Clifton-Stawn hopes to make his subjects feel at ease with the vulnerability to be photographed, so that he is something true about the people they are.
“I want to try to capture something that reflects my experience to be with that person,” he said. “I want it to be about them, I want them to be celebrated in the pictures.”
Of the 100 artists and creatives photographed in “after a long break” Krista M. Jones and Royce Sooble, both of whom join Clifton-Trawn as members of the Queer Artist Collective Frank; singer Robin Latimore; muralist Joe Dreher; painter Michi Meko; sculptor Kevin Cole; Drag Queen Brigitte Bidet; High Museum of Art Photography Curator Gregory Harris; and photographer Chip Moody.
“After a long break” is on September 25 on September 25. Clifton-Stown will sell and sign copies on 27 September on the Atlanta Art Fair. To learn more and order the book, visit Davidcliftonstawn.com.
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