Michael Grecco

October 25th - November 24, 2007

Opening reception and Book Signing

Thursday, October 25th from 7-9pm

The Stephen Cohen Gallery is pleased to announce an exhibition of photographs by renowned celebrity photographer Michael Grecco.  The exhibition will feature selections from his recently published book, “Naked Ambition: An R-Rated Look at an X-Rated Industry”, published by San Francisco-based Rock Out Books.  An opening reception and book signing will take place on Thursday, October 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.

“Naked Ambition” represents over five years of work for Grecco.  In 2002, he attended the Adult Video News Awards Show in Las Vegas.  Widely known as “The Oscars of Porn,” Grecco knew immediately that the tales of these actors and actresses would make for a compelling project.

“Naked Ambition” is timely and pertinent.  As the sex industry moves further into the mainstream, both documentary and celebrity portraits of sex workers and porn stars abound in the media.  In his honest, and occasionally humorous portraits, Grecco memorializes some of the key figures responsible for bringing the industry out of the shadows.  Larry Flynt, Jenna Jameson, Ron Jeremy, and Chi Chi LaRue are just a few of the hundreds of actors, actresses and producers included in Grecco’s project.  He expands the imagery throughout the book to include captivating shots of sex toys, and other entertaining paraphernalia.  Shots of red leather whips, black leather paddles, and beautifully colored glass dildos highlight the pleasure-seeking lives of patrons, but also introduce these objects of pleasure to an unfamiliar audience.

Los Angeles-based photographer Michael Grecco has created iconic portraits of some of the most recognized entertainers, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Will Ferrell, Penelope Cruz, and Teri Hatcher.  His award-winning work is seen in trendsetting magazines such as Esquire, Time, and Maxim.  He is author of the bestselling photographer’s guide, Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Celebrity and Editorial Photography.

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