Intimate portraits of Prince by photographer Steve Parke will be on display at the Proud Central Gallery, the Strand, London. November 9th – December 3rd, 2017.
Steve Parke, Picturing Prince
“Proud will be commemorating the genius of a man whose creative expression continues to unfold.” Steve Parke, photographer and art director for Prince from 1988 – 2001 will be present for the opening of the exhibition, ‘Picturing Prince’ to include a book signing of the fully illustrated book published by Parke in collaboration with Octopus Publishing Group.
Prince, image by Steve Parke, Crescent Ear Wrap designed by Marty Bobroskie of Marty Magic
Picturing Prince, image by Steve Parke, Moon Ear Wraps designed by Marty Bobroskie of Marty Magic
The image on the cover of the book titled ‘Moon in the Mirror’ is an image of Prince wearing the Moon Ear Wrap that I designed.
Moon in the Mirror. Photo by Steve Parke. Moon Ear Wrap designed by Marty Bobroskie @ Marty Magic
The exhibit reveals the unique collaboration between artist and art director, and captures intimate and unvarnished images of Prince’s flamboyant persona, his sexual expression, and gender fluidity.
Connecting the dots: In the fall of 1998, Steve Parke—who was photographer and art director for Prince between 1988 – 2001—came to the Maryland Renaissance Festival and purchased my Wave Ear Cuff in sterling silver. When he returned to Paisley Park, the Artist “formerly known as Prince” apparently took note of the ear cuff that he was wearing and sent Steve back to my fair shop to purchase samples of my other ear cuff designs. (Steve has since told me that Prince asked him to photoshop the Wave Ear Cuff onto his ear. I am anxiously awaiting these iconic photos!)
Prince’s guitar and my Moon Ear Wraps. Photo by Steve Parke
Dolphin Ear Wrap, Crescent Moon Ear Wrap and Moon Ear Wrap. Photo by Steve Parke