Lynda Churilla, Robin Rice Gallery, NYC

LYNDA CHURILLA
Viva la Vida 
Robin Rice Gallery, NYC
January 12 - February 20, 2011

The Robin Rice Gallery announces Viva la Vida an exhibition of photographs by Lynda Churilla. The opening reception will be held January 12, 2010. The show runs through February 20, 2011.

In her new exhibition Lynda Churilla draws from her years spent as a swimmer, lifeguard, and athlete to capture the forgotten freedom and exuberance of days of youth spent on the water. Viva la Vida is a mix of timeless portraits and candid photographs "I’ve always been drawn to the water- now my art, my sense of athleticism, freedom and oasis have merged in a way", says Lynda Churilla. Her nod to iconic photographers from the past, such as Edward Weston, and Herbert List, is apparent in her portrait work.

In another Christian & Nathan Fletcher is in the midst of a surf crusade off the coast of Islamorada, Florida. Christian pioneered a new revolution in surfing style with his aerial techniques. The artist’s genuine connection to her subjects allows the viewer to forget the presence of a camera and to be drawn into the personal narrative.

The invitational image Longboard Afternoon, taken at Ditch Plains, Montauk, focuses on the portrayal of the atmosphere rather than the individual subjects. With a 70’s feel the viewer is intrigued by the layers of life, activity and parallel moments shared by silhouettes of surfers carrying longboards at hazy days end.

One such image, Gustavo, depicts a male figure seated poolside with head bowed. The pose and the wet sheen to his hair and skin give the subject a classic, sculptural look.

All the photographs exhibited in are in various sizes are printed on heavy weight cotton paper with the traditional glossy baryta surface in rich tones of black and white.

Her artist mother, Barbara Churilla, involved her in creating art, sculpture, painting and photography from an early age. She was raised in Princeton, New Jersey. She graduated from School of Visual Arts in NYC with a BFA in Photography. Lynda began her photo assisting career with legendary photographer Bruce Weber. Over a period of almost a decade she traveled the world with Weber learning not only knowledge of photography, but also life. Eventually becoming his trusted first assistant before embarking on her own photography adventure.

Lynda Churilla’s work has been celebrated in American Photo, where she was heralded as one of the young visionaries of 21st century. She has photographed numerous celebrities, such as Cameron Diaz, Jewel, Olivier Martinez, Coldplay, Pet Shop Boys, Josh Brolin, and others. Her corporate clients include: Ralph Lauren, L’Oreal, and Microsoft, Nike, Estee Lauder, Coca-Cola, Macy’s and Sony. Her photographs have graced the pages of publications such as Rolling Stone, GQ, Men’s Health and Interview Magazine. Lynda Churilla resides in New York City with her husband John.

Lynda Churilla is currently in a group show at the Eden Rock Gallery in St. Barth’s entitled "Uncovered," curated by Eileen Guggenheim and David Kratz. This is her first solo show at the Robin Rice Gallery. To view the exhibit please go to www.robinricegallery.com.