Design Arts Daily

Peggy Roalf

New York's most adventurous photography galleries often celebrate summer with thematic group shows that are both thought-provoking and entertaining, and sometimes organized by guest curators. This year's schedule was launched by two galleries that added seasonal interest to the list of delights. Please check links for gallery hours and details.

At Hasted Hunt, Colour Before Color, curated by Magnum photographer Martin Parr, presents a selection of images from Parr's personal collection, first seen in his book, Our True Intent is All for Your Delight. These photographs of the Butlin's summer holiday camps in the U.K. and Ireland (top left) were made by the John Hinde Studio during the late 1960s and 70s. Created for use on postcards, their sole purpose, in the words of Hinde, was "to visualize heaven." His color-drenched views conjured up an un-reality that was both surreal and in some ways representative of a brief post-war, pre-Thatcher period that saw working class affluence in Britain. The title of Parr's book is from Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, and was used for a neon sign at one of Butlin's holiday camps.

Also featured is work by six European photographers active in the 1970s. This was a period when color photography was considered a medium for advertising and not suitable for serious photographers - until John Szarkowski mounted an exhibition of William Eggleston's work at MoMA in 1976. The selection includes a group of photographs made by Spanish photographer Carlos Perez Siquier on the beach near his home (lower left).

On Wednesday, June 20, there will be a panel discussion with Martin Parr and special guests at 5:00 pm, followed by a reception from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The exhibition runs through July 20.