Tom Warren: The 1980s Art Scene in New York

Insider snapshots of the city's thriving downtown culture, with Quentin Crisp, Keith Haring, Kiki Smith and more

The 1980s in New York were full of contradictions and polarities: on the one hand, the city was marked by high crime and the AIDS crisis; on the other hand, the economy was booming, allowing those who profited to live decadently. Artists and cultural workers were attracted to this city of contrasts, and dealt critically with issues such as politics and gentrification, while also enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle. Photographer Tom Warren (born 1954) was a significant part of the New York art scene, gaining notoriety for his artistic repurposing of vacant spaces in the East Village. This monograph showcases his photographs from this period, with images of Barry Blinderman, Cornelius Conboy, Quentin Crisp, Luis Frangella, Keith Haring, Pat Hearn, Marilyn Minter, Lady Pink, Rene Ricard, Judy Rifka, Sandra Seymour, Kiki Smith, Hannah Wilke, David Wojnarowicz and more.