To Hujar, who grew up on a farm, animals and people were of equal interest. His photographs of dogs, horses, and cows seem to convey a mutual recognition between photographer and subject, a sort of calm acknowledgement.
Peter Hujar, Horse in Harness (I), 1969
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Will: Char-Pei (I), 1985 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Sheep, Pennsylvania, 1969 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Backlit Cow, 1969
gelatin silver print, 16-3/4 x 13-7/8 inches (sheet) [42.5 x 35.1 cm]
Peter Hujar, Clarissa Dalrymple’s Dog, Kirsten, 1984
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Horse, Warwick, R.I., 1979
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Butch and Buster, 1978 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Colt with Mother, Italy, 1975
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarHorse in Harness (I)
1969
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarWill: Char-Pei (I)
1985 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarSheep, Pennsylvania
1969 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarBacklit Cow
1969
gelatin silver print, 16-3/4 x 13-7/8 inches (sheet) [42.5 x 35.1 cm]
Peter HujarClarissa Dalrymple’s Dog, Kirsten
1984
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarHorse, Warwick, R.I.
1979
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarButch and Buster
1978 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarColt with Mother, Italy
1975
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Hujar’s sometimes playful, often bleak photographs of New York after sunset show revelers of the nightlife and a decaying urban landscape, all wrapped in a velvety blackness broken only by street lamps, fluorescent building windows, and the camera’s flash.
Peter Hujar, Gary Schneider in Stuyvesant Park, 1981
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Night Skyline and Parking Lots, 1976
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, San Gennaro Street Fair at Dawn (I), 1976
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Newsstand, 96 Street and Broadway, 1957
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Night, Downtown, 1976 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Triumph, 1976 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Drag Queen With Flower, Halloween, 1980
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Trees with Flash, New Jersey, 1975
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, No Parking, 1976 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarNight Skyline and Parking Lots
1976
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarSan Gennaro Street Fair at Dawn (I)
1976
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarNewsstand, 96 Street and Broadway
1957
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarNight, Downtown
1976 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarTriumph
1976 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarDrag Queen With Flower, Halloween
1980
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarTrees with Flash, New Jersey
1975
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarNo Parking
1976 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
The composed portraits of lovers, friends, and artists of New York’s Downtown milieu, often photographed in Hujar’s own loft, capture each sitter in an unrestrained moment of openness and connection.
Peter Hujar, Self-Portrait Standing, 1980 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Fran Lebowitz, 1975
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Nickey from Bloolips (II), 1980
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Richie, 1985
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Madeline Kahn, 1981
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Daniel Schook Sucking Toe, 1981 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Diana Vreeland (IV), 1975
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Chuck Gretsch (with Cigar), 1981
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Cockette Goldie Glitters, 1971
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Baby John McClellan, 1981
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Merce Cunningham and John Cage Seated, 1986
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarSelf-Portrait Standing
1980 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarFran Lebowitz
1975
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarNickey from Bloolips (II)
1980
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarMadeline Kahn
1981
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarDaniel Schook Sucking Toe
1981 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarDiana Vreeland (IV)
1975
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarChuck Gretsch (with Cigar)
1981
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarCockette Goldie Glitters
1971
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarBaby John McClellan
1981
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarMerce Cunningham and John Cage Seated
1986
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
The artist photographed the Palermo Catacombs during a 1963 trip to Italy with Paul Thek. The artist’s first monograph, Portraits in Life and Death (published 1976), juxtaposes several of these images with portraits of writers and artists from Hujar’s social circle.
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #11, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #9, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #8, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #2, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #6, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #13, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #5, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #7, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #4, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #10, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Palermo Catacombs #12, 1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #11
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #9
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #8
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #2
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #6
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #13
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #5
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #7
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #4
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #10
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarPalermo Catacombs #12
1963
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Remarkable for their subtle sensuality, Hujar’s nude portraits capture his subjects fully present, and open to the camera’s gaze. The images explore the unapologetic physicality of the body, mutual desire, and uninhibited pleasure.
Peter Hujar, Gary Schneider in Contortion (II), 1979 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Sarah Jenkins with Skippy (II), 1985
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Seated Nude, 1978
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Lynn Davis, Nude with Pillow, 1985
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Ethyl Nude (III), 1978
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, David Wojnarowicz, 1981 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Randy Gilberti, 1981
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Lynn Hodenfield Pregnant (I), 1978
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Carlos, 1976
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Self-Portrait in the Baths, 1975
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarGary Schneider in Contortion (II)
1979 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarSarah Jenkins with Skippy (II)
1985
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarSeated Nude
1978
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarLynn Davis, Nude with Pillow
1985
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarEthyl Nude (III)
1978
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarDavid Wojnarowicz
1981 / printed later
pigment print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarRandy Gilberti
1981
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarLynn Hodenfield Pregnant (I)
1978
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarCarlos
1976
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarSelf-Portrait in the Baths
1975
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Christopher Street Piers were an important site of emerging gay cuture in the 1970s and 80s, and an inspired location for artists, who used the dilapidated structures as canvas or backdrop for their work.
Peter Hujar, Canal Street Piers: Painting of Strong Man, 1983
gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches (sheet) [35.6 x 27.9 cm]
Peter Hujar, Pier – Four Doors, 1981
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter Hujar, Canal Street Pier, 1983
gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches (sheet) [35.6 x 27.9 cm]
Peter Hujar, Canal Street Piers: Man Painted on a Wall, 1983
gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches (sheet) [35.6 x 27.9 cm]
Peter Hujar, Canal Street Piers: Krazy Kat Comic on Wall [by David Wojnarowicz], 1983 / printed later
pigment print, 11 x 14 inches (sheet) [27.9 x 35.6 cm]
Peter HujarCanal Street Piers: Painting of Strong Man
1983
gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches (sheet) [35.6 x 27.9 cm]
Peter HujarPier – Four Doors
1981
gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (sheet) [50.8 x 40.6 cm]
Peter HujarCanal Street Pier
1983
gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches (sheet) [35.6 x 27.9 cm]
Peter HujarCanal Street Piers: Man Painted on a Wall
1983
gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches (sheet) [35.6 x 27.9 cm]
Peter HujarCanal Street Piers: Krazy Kat Comic on Wall [by David Wojnarowicz]
1983 / printed later
pigment print, 11 x 14 inches (sheet) [27.9 x 35.6 cm]