Work of Veteran Paparazzo in White Plains
Veteran paparazzo Ron Galella is a man whose persistence and bravado resulted in his work being published in countless publications and exhibited in museums and galleries. This month, the man who captured celebrities’ likenesses from a new perspective will be showcased with a solo exhibition at Atelier 811 Gallery in White Plains. More than 100 photographs in Celebrities: A Look at the Beautiful People will showcase the most renowned people Galella photographed, from Frank Sinatra and Robert Redford to Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. It will also recall some of the most notable moments of his career. For example, after Marlon Brando broke his jaw, Galella didn’t back down. Instead, he responded by wearing a football helmet to protect his face the next time he photographed the actor. In addition, Jackie Kennedy opened a lawsuit against Galella, who followed her tirelessly in pursuit of the perfect photograph. Despite these tenuous run-ins with celebrities, his reputation grew due to the genuine quality of his photos. They have since been acquired by many museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Galella, who now lives in New Jersey, once maintained a studio in Yonkers. He will attend the exhibition’s opening reception on April 12. The work will be on view through May 24. For more info, contact 914-419-6252.
A version of this article first appeared in the April issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.