Skate-Homies

June 22 – July 13, 2019
Clarence K.

Clarence K. has captured today's New York City skateboarder in the most honest and realist way. His weekly visits to skate parks throughout the city have produced stunning portraits of this unique community. The work depicts a modern tribe that is blind to race, gender and age.

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Press Release

Since day one, the skateboarding culture has viewed life differently than everyone else. It's always been blind to race, gender and age. It's produced the most forward thinking people on the planet. Even now as it has grown into astronomical proportions it still keeps the same core values. It's the most modern tribe on the planet and If you skate you understand what this means. Photographer Clarence K. has captured today's New York City skater in the most honest and realist way.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

I was first exposed to the world of skateboarding through my friend and roommate, professional skater John Grigley. When I expressed an interest in taking portraits at skate parks, he immediately agreed to help me and made introductions to some of his friends, allowing me to access to this world. One thing led to another and soon I would begin heading to skate parks on my own. I would make weekly, sometimes daily visits to the skateparks of NYC. The people I have photographed have been without exception, very kind and generous with their time.

For the past 25 years, I have worked as a fashion photographer, and occasionally a celebrity portrait photographer, though my passion was in portraiture. For the first time in my long career, I feel like I am taking the photographs that I’ve always wanted to take in my series “Skate Homies.”

On a technical note, I particularly enjoy the immediacy of working alone without an assistant. I prefer to use a simple set up which allows me to quickly establish a rapport with my subject. The work is inspired by Richard Avedon’s body of work In the American West. Even though this project culminates in this show, I intend this body of work to be open-ended and will continue taking portraits of skateboarders and I am looking forward to bringing it into book form.








Court Tree Collective was established in 2013 by a group of artists and creatives with the primary purpose of representing and supporting the work of emerging and established contemporary artists. Since its opening Court Tree Collective has been a staple to south Brooklyn’s emerging art scene and in a short time has exhibited a number of important exhibitions. In addition they have curated a number of exhibitions at satellite locations throughout the states and abroad.

We are a family-run art gallery specializing in emerging artists to offer a unique and intimate experience for art enthusiasts. Court Tree Collective showcases outsider art, which often defies traditional artistic conventions, alongside works by up-and-coming artists to add depth and diversity to the gallery's offerings. Visitors can expect to encounter raw, authentic expressions of creativity that challenge perceptions and ignite curiosity. By nurturing rising talent and championing unconventional voices, the gallery plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant and inclusive art community.

Our gallery is curated by artists for artists, which fosters a dynamic and supportive environment where creative visionaries can thrive. With firsthand understanding of the artistic process, the curators can showcase works that resonate deeply with both artists and audiences. This curated space celebrates diversity, innovation, and experimentation; it provides a platform for emerging and established artists to connect, collaborate, and showcase their talents. By upholding a community-driven approach to curation, the gallery becomes a vibrant hub for inspiration, dialogue, and artistic exchange.︎

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Location

Industry City
51 35th Street,
BLD #5
2nd FL, Suite B236
Brooklyn, NY 11232


Mailing Address

Court Tree Collective
728 41st Street #1F
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Contact

info@courttree.com

917.225.9253








Gallery Hours

Thurs - Sat 12 - 6pm
Sun 12 - 5pm
*and by appointment



The 36 St subway station {D, N, R, trains} is the nearest one to Industry City in Brooklyn






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