Andrew Caldwell

I Am Because You Are | Times Square

About

Andrew Caldwell

Andrew's journey to Brighton commenced two years post-retirement from a distinguished 25-year tenure as a butler, traversing five countries. His background in musical theatre, cultivated through university training, often cast him as butlers on stage, segueing seamlessly into a real-life role as a New York-based butler. During this period, he immersed himself in black and white photography, refining his craft through darkroom classes. Andrew Caldwell's photography invites viewers to reflect on the nuanced expressions of masculinity, portraying his subjects with a poetic sensitivity that challenges conventional perceptions. Each image tells a story of resilience, intimacy, and the enduring spirit of those who seek refuge and belonging.

What's happening

"The Times Square," is the resultant collection, a testament to Andrew's time spent in a converted hotel on 43rd and 8th Ave, adjacent to New York City's bustling Times Square, between 1995 and 2001. Amidst the array of social services offered there, Andrew found solace in the black and white darkroom classes offered on site and through the care of Karen Furth, his mentor, diligently capturing moments with his vintage camera throughout the week, developing them midweek in the lab.

“I thought it was important to capture their beauty as it was at that time”

His focus gravitated towards nude photography, utilizing acquaintances, predominantly actors and performers, as subjects. He aimed to immortalise their ephemeral beauty, manifested in his modest studio apartment, where each original photograph was meticulously shot and developed on archival paper, a testament to his artistic vision and dedication to explore the poetic of masculine aesthetic.

Inspired by the storied history of The Times Square Hotel in 1990s New York City—a haven for artists and low-income residents—"The Times Square" offers a poignant exploration of masculine beauty. Through Caldwell's lens, the exhibition captures the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability, showcasing the soft yet powerful essence of the male form.

"The Times Square" is more than a celebration of the male nude; it is a homage to a pivotal era and place that nurtured creativity and provided sanctuary for many. Caldwell's work not only honors the past but also resonates with the ongoing journey of the LGBTQ+ community towards acceptance and self-expression.

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