Sexy and the City @Yossi Milo

JTF (just the facts): A total of 31 prints, most hung in a dense cluster on a single wall in the back room viewing area. 2 larger works are hung on adjacent walls in this same space. The images are a mix of black and white and color and are variously framed and matted. While most of the images were taken in the 1960s and 1970s, the dates range from 1945 to 2008. (Installation shot at right.)

The following photographers are included in the show, with the number of images on display in parentheses:

Merry Alpern (1)
Will Anderson (1)
Diane Arbus (1)
Alvin Baltrop (2)
Bruce Davidson (1)
Alfred Eisenstaedt (1)
Mitch Epstein (1)
Louis Faurer (1)
Leonard Freed (1)
Nan Goldin (1)
Gail Albert Halaban (1)
Charles Harbutt (1)
Lisa Kereszi (1)
André Kertész (2)
Arthur Leipzig (1)
Leon Levinstein (3)
Joel Meyerowitz (1)
Duane Michals (1)
Tod Papageorge (1)
Frank Paulin (1)
Anton Perich (1)
Charles Traub (1)
Arthur Tress (1)
Weegee (1)
Ryan Weideman (1)
Ruby Weidman (1)
Garry Winogrand (1)

Comments/Context: Yossi Milo's contribution to the parade of New York themed summer group shows is a sensual look at the people of the city, a small but tasty appetizer of kissing, dancing, parading, making out, and generally showing some skin. As a theme, it holds together effectively; well selected images from a wide variety of photographers and time periods are hung virtually edge to edge, creating a lively mix of fooling around. (The two large color images by Mitch Epstein and Lisa Kereszi hung on the nearby walls are an out of place afterthought however, given the density of the rest of the display.) This is the definition of a light summer teaser, likely not worth a separate trip on its own, but attractive and fun for a quick visit if you're already in the neighborhood.

Collector's POV: The images in this small show range in price from $2000 to $40000, with a few NFS (not for sale). I particular enjoyed the Leon Levinstein image of a couple sprawled under graffiti from the 1970s and the André Kertész of a woman's legs on a fire escape from the early 1950s.

Rating: * (one star) GOOD (rating system described here)

Transit Hub:

• Alvin Baltrop artist site (here)
• NY Times review of Leon Levinstein @ MoMA 1995 (here)

Sexy and the City
Through August 28th

Yossi Milo Gallery
525 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10001