The Third Perspective: A Collector's View

La’Orangerie Stairs by Edward Steichen

The Third Perspective: A Collector’s View, will be on display at Paul Paletti Gallery Feb. 26 – August 30, with an opening reception held Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 from 5 – 8 p.m.

Over several decades, Paul Paletti has amassed an important collection of historic and contemporary photographic artworks of museum quality. As a collector, his intent has been to choose only those pieces in which the artist demonstrates a superlative degree of technical virtuosity offered with a distinctive vision.

“‘The Third Perspective’ is about the relationship I believe is created when a photographer shows a print he or she has made. Until then, the only perspectives that exist happen in front of, and behind the lens — between artist and subject,” says Paletti. “I made one of my first purchases from the remarkable Imogene Cunningham when I was a graduate student in photography. I never really looked back, but I got very serious about collecting about 20 years ago. The gallery is the culmination of that experience. And it just continues to grow because I am a truly passionate about photography, and a collector at heart.”

Beginning on Feb. 26, the gallery will exhibit some of Paletti’s most recent acquisitions, including work by Shelby Lee Adams, Bill Burke, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Alvin Langdon Coburn, Harold Edgerton, Lynn Geesaman, C. Thomas Hardin, Bill Luster, and David Turnley. “In the last year or two, I’ve also acquired iconic works by Yousuf Karsh, William Klein, Danny Lyon, Steve McCurry, Eadweard Muybridge, and Edward Steichen, most of which are being displayed here for the first time. These photographers achieved international acclaim and are titans in the history of photography,” says Paletti. “To make the show even more personal, I’ll also be sharing insights on the process of collecting, and my experience with this sophisticated art medium that is varied, beautiful and highly collectible for everyone.”