This fascinating black and white diptych captures the intimate creative process behind one of the most influential avant-garde projects in contemporary art history. Photographed by Michael James O'Brien in NYC in 1993, the work documents artist Matthew Barney rehearsing Drawing Restraint 7, cleverly juxtaposing a satyr-like mythological figure with Barney's own physical movement and gestural tension. Printed on archival inkjet paper, this limited-edition piece bridges performance art, sculpture, and documentary photography through O'Brien's sharp visual narrative. A historically significant acquisition, it offers supreme curatorial value for discerning collectors of 1990s avant-garde and conceptual art.
Photographer Michael James O'Brien documented with beautiful and unique images the final part of Matthew Barney's lyric opera cycle about a tragic love story set in romantic Budapest. The epic's main characters are the Queen of Chains and the magician and escape artist Harry Houdini.
This captivating black and white photography piece exemplifies Barney's mastery of avant-garde art, offering a striking visual narrative that intrigues and delights.
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Black and White Photography - Matthew Barney rehearsing Drawing Restraint 7, NYC
Matthew Barney rehearsing Drawing Restraint 7, NYC. Diptych, 1993
From the Matthew Barney series
Archival Inkjet Print.
Dimensions:
Paper size: 17 H x 24 W in.
Image size. 12.5 H x 17 W in. with 2 inches of white borders around.
Edition of 9 + 2AP
Unframed
Michael James O’Brien is a multifaceted artist based in Atlanta, GA, known for his work as a photographer, teacher, curator, poet, and activist. He has held solo exhibitions in major cities worldwide, including New York, Paris, Beijing, and Istanbul. His photography is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection in London and has been featured in esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone, Vogue UK, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. O'Brien authored Girlfriend; Men, Women, and Drag, published by Random House, and contributed to Matthew Barney’s Drawing Restraint 7 and Cremaster series. A dedicated activist, he has been involved with ACTUP and various HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, including the Love Ball and Live Positive Campaign. Currently, he serves as the Chair of Photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design and chairs the Advisory Council of Atlanta Celebrates Photography.
