by alyssa coluccio (pics by the de wilde’s)
I want to see a world where people dance in tie-dyed gauze dresses, sing to an acoustic guitar and laugh as a strong hand and steady eye paint multi-colored butterflies on children’s faces. I want to see people sitting amidst the twinkling lights of a Parisian carnival, catch someone covered head to toe in fluorescent price tags, and find a lone figure at a piano, surrounded by silence. Don’t you?
The De Wilde’s did, and they captured each breathtaking moment and beautiful person through a fine focus lens, cementing them under a glossy finish and the idea that such fantasies were once someone’s reality.
It began with Jerry and his photographs of the 1960’s counter-culture movement. From protests, to love-ins, to artists, musicians, and free spirits all living together on a farm, Jerry snapped each with purpose, heart, and ingenuity. His subjects ranged from Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Ken Kesey to bright-eyed children and weathered old hippies. He began a photographic revolution, and years later, his daughter followed in his footsteps.
Autumn De Wilde, known especially for her intimate and thoughtful photographs of close friend Elliott Smith, has become this generation’s counter-culture memory-keeper; especially for the music industry. Throughout the years she’s stowed away snapshots of Conor Oberst against wildflower wallpaper, Jenny Lewis applying makeup with the company of a four year old, and Death Cab For Cutie sitting in stairwells with coffee cups.
From now to November 30th, their photographs will be presented side by side at Soho’s Morrison Hotel, in a special exhibit: Autumn De Wilde and Jerry De Wilde: Two Generations of Counterculture Photography. Come, Look, Get inspired, and start seeing the world with Wilde eyes.
*** this photo gallery is beautiful***
One Comment
that black and white photo of Elliott is my all time favourite.
oddly enough, I’m listening to a live rendition of Waltz #2 right now…I love shuffle.