PDNB GALLERY

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, PDNB Gallery will open a new exhibition celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the release of Neal Slavin’s book and photography series from the 1970’s, When Two or More are Gathered Together. The expanded edition includes an essay by Kevin Moore, along with new portraits.

Neal started his series in the 1970’s, traveling around the United States in search of any organizations, clubs, and societies. Groups include Trekkies at a Star Trek convention, bodybuilders, Delorean car collectors, Sabrett Hot dog vendors and Miss America contestants lined up in their one-piece swimsuits.

Slavin’s vibrant color photographs mark a shift in the art world of the 70’s. Previously, photography was mostly viewed as the classic black and white prints done by the masters. Color photography was popularized by the young artists of the 70’s like William Eggleston, Stephen Shore, Larry Sultan and more. Color became part of the subject and photographs became more conceptual, adding more dimension than the typical beautiful landscape.

Bold primary colors shine through in Neal’s photograph of the Sabrett Hot Dog Vendors. A quartet of men stand by their respective carts, in front of the K & P Distributor’s Sign. They are about to roll out into the streets of New York City, serving up the classic hot dog that tourists crave and business men grab for a quick lunch.

Conventions provide the optimal opportunity for interesting groups, as seen in this 1970’s Star Trek Convention. Today this has morphed into a ComicCon convention. Slavin’s mismatched group of young adults in handmade costumes is sure to charm even the non-Trekkie and will transport serious fans into the Captain Kirk time zone.

Channel Swimmers depicts an eclectic group of all ages, still wearing their swim caps and goggles from their grueling swim. The photograph featured in this exhibition was taken with the 20 x 24 inch Polaroid camera. Slavin used this camera to document groups in Great Britain. A book was published on this project, The Britons, but not included in the new edition of When Two or More are Gathered Together.

Slavin always asks the subjects to arrange themselves, allowing the group dynamics and natural hierarchies to become the main subject. This process creates a typology of sorts, like August Sander’s document of Germans in the early 20th century.

Slavin’s portraits celebrate these found communities of shared interests, while provoking questions of the groups’ dynamic. Do they all look alike? Do they share similar beliefs? Which chose to blend into the group, and who is commanding attention? These portraits serve as a visual sociological study, presenting unity and individuality in one photograph.

Neal Slavin will be in attendance on opening night, Saturday, November 23rd from 5 – 8pm. His book, When Two or More are Gathered Together, can be purchased in gallery or on the gallery’s website.