Summer Spirit: Vintage Boards & the Art of Summer Photography
SUMMER 2024
The Hamptons
“I need the sea because it teaches me.”
In homage to the spirit of coastal living, this exhibit features the work of photographers like Dean Isidro, whose ethereal photography transports us into the enchanting mystique of the ocean, and Norman Parkinson, whose bold photographs effortlessly capture the indulgence that is summer and sun. The exhibit carries themes of serenity and vitality through portrayals of seaside subjects. “Summer Spirit: Vintage Boards and the Art of Summer Photography” showcases the power of photography in its ability to capture the spirit of freedom, beach culture, and the timeless allure of the ocean.
Surf culture remains a quintessential aspect to the identity of the Hamptons. Its influence permeates the coastal lifestyle, shaping fashion, leisure, and recreation. On a larger scale, surf culture has been a recurring muse in the history of photography due to its visual appeal and unique cultural significance. Surfing represents a cohesive collaboration between human and nature, making for a captivating visual story.
This exhibit features a curation of vintage surfboards from the private collection of a surf connoisseur, representing the craftsmanship of several iconic surfboard shapers, including designs from surf legends like Terry Martin and Al Merrick. Each board serves as a testament to the evolution of surfing, with boards dating from the 1970s to the present day.
Both the surfboards and photographs possess an undeniable lure, with their bold, vibrant colors and striking visual compositions. The crimson vintage Clark Foam Surfboard harmonizes with the dynamic photographs of Norman Parkinson to evoke a sense of timeless elegance.
“Summer Spirit: Vintage Boards and the Art of Summer Photography” invites us into the realm of the coastal lifestyle, reflecting human experiences with nature, freedom, and nostalgia, through different lenses.
