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7/9/2007

Philip Fagan

Drkrm Gallery, Los Angeles

The Business of Pleasure : New York City Brothels 1987-1991

Of his many life journeys, from India to Afghanistan, it was Philip Fagan’s stint as a manager working for a chain of New York City brothels in the 1980’s that provided him with the unique opportunity to visually document a hidden taboo of American life.

Fagan spent eleven years on Manhattan’s East side in “the business of pleasure.” His extraordinarily rare access enabled him to befriend and photograph many of the women who earned their living in the sex trade. “I did not photograph the girls as an essay, or as an exploitive study of girls in a lowly profession,” Fagan explains. “I photographed the girls because I spent all my time, almost 24-7, with them.” Reviewing the images after these many years, Fagan says, “I hope with all my heart that the women survived and have found something fulfilling so they never think about going back.”

This unique series of stark, gritty and suprisingly touching black and white images reveals the fascinating everyday world of brothel life. Rarely does Fagan's camera intrude on these women; it is merely a voyeur or even a welcome partner. These candid and straightforward portraits are reminescent of Diane Arbus’ pictures of people on the fringes of society combined with Ernest J. Bellocq’s Storyville Photographs taken in the Red Light District of New Orleans in the 1900’s.

The Business of Pleasure will open with a reception for the artist Saturday, September 8th from 7-10 pm

Drkrm Gallery
2121 San Fernando Road - Los Angeles

stampa

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