Lot 76: BIRNEY IMES (B. 1951)

BIRNEY IMES (B. 1951)
The Magic Star, Falcon, 1984
chromogenic print, printed c. 2004
signed in ink (on the verso)
17½ x 22in. (44.5 x 55.9cm.)

Imes, Juke Joint, University Press of Mississippi, Jackson, 1990, pl. 35

Born and raised in Columbus, Mississippi, Imes photographed juke joints from 1983-1989. The setting for each shot was at a time of day when the clubs were void of people, exposing just the soul of the room. Imes arrived at this subject indirectly, previously photographing people in his community using black and white film. This led to photographing patrons at the clubs, which unsuprisingly led to the clubs themselves. Insprired by their vibrant colors and personality, Imes turned his attention to their interiors, using color film to properly capture their spirit. Lots 77, 78 and 81 are also from this series.