Jason Byron Gavann: Here Lies the Heart

Jason Byron Gavann: Here Lies the Heart
Oct 31, 2024 – Dec 21, 2024

508 - 526 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001

Daniel Cooney Fine Art is incredibly honored to present the work of the iconic Boston based photographer Jason Byron Gavann. The exhibition consists of 25 black and white and color images created between 1980 and 2006 in Boston, Provincetown and Paris.

For over five decades Gavann has documented queer life in Boston and around the world. As a student at UMass Boston in the 1970’s a professor suggested that he “photograph what is most familiar." Gavann says, “A light went off in my head and I thought, I’ll photograph my friends.” The artist’s journey of finding inspiration in his friendships continues to this day.

Growing up just outside of Boston, Gavann found sanctuary as a teen in the city’s Park Square. The area was a hub for young runaways, drag queens and sex workers. The formative environment influenced his photography as he developed a compassionate eye and yearned for a genuine connection. He learned to seek out compelling people radiating resilience that would create portraits that celebrate life.

As a contemporary of the “Boston School” artists, Gavann created intimate portraits of Jack Pierson, Mark Morrisroe, Pat Hearn, Sharon Niesp and Tabboo! among others. The portraits will be included in the exhibition as Gavann’s influence on the group is significant, if not well documented. Pierson says of Gavann, “Jason’s spirit is a gift to us all. I don’t know anyone who makes working at your art and living a beautiful life look better.”

Gavann’s portraits were recently included in Madonna’s “Celebration Tour” to honor artists lost to AIDS. He has exhibited his work domestically and internationally in both group and solo presentations. This year he was featured in Interview Magazine by curator Jackson Davidow.


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