WEEGEE "WELCOME TO THE RENT PARTY" 1950
The inimitable and notorious photographer known as Weegee, (aka. Arthur Fellig) exposed the scope of New York’s nightlife; whether it was celebrating high-culture or low-life revellers. Throughout his career Weegee was a true nightcrawler whether he was pursuing early hour crimes and disasters or hitting up parties that rocked till dawn.
In the mid ‘50s, the artist focused on the bohemian student area around Washington Square known as the Village.
In his text, The Village, Weegee recounts the growing urgency to document the quickly gentrifying downtown area. This work is a fine example of the light-hearted energy and dynamism of his post-1946 work.
These types of parties originated in Harlem in the 20's as means by which to pay rent. The tenant would hire a band or musician and pass around a collection plate, usually in the form of a hat, to raise money to cover the hosts bills.
The artist’s images from this series (and this era in general) are softer and more varied than the disaster images upon which he built his reputation. The Village images are diverse; capturing carnivals, folk events, and young people enjoying the city.
Weegee explained this image: “On New Year’s Eve, I went to a rent party in a cheap village flat. For fifty cents you bring your own bottle, your girl, squat on a bare wood floor, and share a few unusual sights".
“Welcome to The Rent Party” is a quintessential example of this festive mood, capturing a shirtless young man balancing a bottle of hooch on his head while streamers fall in the background. Many of Weegee's favorite themes are present here; entertainment, the follies brought on by alcohol, raucous night life, and the curiosity of children.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720
“Welcome to The Rent Party”
Gelatin silver print
USA, c. 1956
“Weegee the Famous,” stamped and annotated in pencil on verso
12”W 10”H (image)
Good condition.
Detailed condition report by request.
Original: $3,200.00
-70%$3,200.00
$960.00More Images
WEEGEE "WELCOME TO THE RENT PARTY" 1950
The inimitable and notorious photographer known as Weegee, (aka. Arthur Fellig) exposed the scope of New York’s nightlife; whether it was celebrating high-culture or low-life revellers. Throughout his career Weegee was a true nightcrawler whether he was pursuing early hour crimes and disasters or hitting up parties that rocked till dawn.
In the mid ‘50s, the artist focused on the bohemian student area around Washington Square known as the Village.
In his text, The Village, Weegee recounts the growing urgency to document the quickly gentrifying downtown area. This work is a fine example of the light-hearted energy and dynamism of his post-1946 work.
These types of parties originated in Harlem in the 20's as means by which to pay rent. The tenant would hire a band or musician and pass around a collection plate, usually in the form of a hat, to raise money to cover the hosts bills.
The artist’s images from this series (and this era in general) are softer and more varied than the disaster images upon which he built his reputation. The Village images are diverse; capturing carnivals, folk events, and young people enjoying the city.
Weegee explained this image: “On New Year’s Eve, I went to a rent party in a cheap village flat. For fifty cents you bring your own bottle, your girl, squat on a bare wood floor, and share a few unusual sights".
“Welcome to The Rent Party” is a quintessential example of this festive mood, capturing a shirtless young man balancing a bottle of hooch on his head while streamers fall in the background. Many of Weegee's favorite themes are present here; entertainment, the follies brought on by alcohol, raucous night life, and the curiosity of children.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720
“Welcome to The Rent Party”
Gelatin silver print
USA, c. 1956
“Weegee the Famous,” stamped and annotated in pencil on verso
12”W 10”H (image)
Good condition.
Detailed condition report by request.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
The inimitable and notorious photographer known as Weegee, (aka. Arthur Fellig) exposed the scope of New York’s nightlife; whether it was celebrating high-culture or low-life revellers. Throughout his career Weegee was a true nightcrawler whether he was pursuing early hour crimes and disasters or hitting up parties that rocked till dawn.
In the mid ‘50s, the artist focused on the bohemian student area around Washington Square known as the Village.
In his text, The Village, Weegee recounts the growing urgency to document the quickly gentrifying downtown area. This work is a fine example of the light-hearted energy and dynamism of his post-1946 work.
These types of parties originated in Harlem in the 20's as means by which to pay rent. The tenant would hire a band or musician and pass around a collection plate, usually in the form of a hat, to raise money to cover the hosts bills.
The artist’s images from this series (and this era in general) are softer and more varied than the disaster images upon which he built his reputation. The Village images are diverse; capturing carnivals, folk events, and young people enjoying the city.
Weegee explained this image: “On New Year’s Eve, I went to a rent party in a cheap village flat. For fifty cents you bring your own bottle, your girl, squat on a bare wood floor, and share a few unusual sights".
“Welcome to The Rent Party” is a quintessential example of this festive mood, capturing a shirtless young man balancing a bottle of hooch on his head while streamers fall in the background. Many of Weegee's favorite themes are present here; entertainment, the follies brought on by alcohol, raucous night life, and the curiosity of children.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720
“Welcome to The Rent Party”
Gelatin silver print
USA, c. 1956
“Weegee the Famous,” stamped and annotated in pencil on verso
12”W 10”H (image)
Good condition.
Detailed condition report by request.
