Portraits in New York City 2001 - present
Ignited New York is a collection of photographic portraits assembled over the course of this century’s first two decades. It focuses on the artistic fringe of NYC, the young art stars and the older generation of New York celebrities. Like a Coney Island inspired photo booth, portraits are taken against the backdrop of one of Ellis’ specially designed tromp l’oeil sets: a lighter (ignited, symbolizing tribute and inspiration) with a window cut for the chosen subject to appear. And appear they do: gesturing, strutting, play acting and otherwise showing off. Ignited New York captures, in literally hundreds of off the wall portraits, the people that set New York on fire. An important collection of an exciting chapter of New York culture, fashion, and personalities, sharing their stories, poetry, experiences, and advice. The initial concept was conceived by Michael "Mistress" Formika and evolved through the years.
Photography, visual expression and design by Doerte Fitschen-Rath
All lighter paintings by Steve Ellis
Spencer Tunick, 2016
Cassandra "Cat" German, 2016
KMAZING, 2015
Randy Jones, 2003 - 2016 (portrait of Randy Jones by Misa Martin)
Taylor Mead on set at Opaline, 2003
Taylor Mead 2003 - 2016 (portrait of Taylor Mead by Misa Martin)
Terence Koh, 2016
Terence Koh, 2016
Spencer Tunick, 2016
Spencer Tunick, 2016
“Right after college I went to the west coast to explore other parts of my country. I came running back, begging for forgiveness. It turns out I can ONLY exist in NYC. I don¹t drive, am allergic to the sun, and thrive on the aggression, rage, creativity and diversity of New York people. They are never boring. They are the wind beneath my devil horns.”
Amanda Lepore on set at Opaline, 2003
Amanda Lepore 2004 - 2016 (portrait of Amanda Lepore by Misa Martin)
“I love to be in New York, because you can do a million things in one day. You really can have it all!”
Kembra Pfahler, The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black
Kembra Pfahler 2003 - 2016 (portrait of Kembra by Misa Martin)
On set at La Luz, Brooklyn
On set at La Luz, Brooklyn
Miss Cherry Delight and friend, 2015
Kenseth Armstead, 2015
Velocity Chyaldd, 2015
Eric Miles, 2015
Miss Cherry Delight, 2015
Steve Ellis, 2015
Tony Visconti 2004 - 2016 (portrait of Tony Visconti by Misa Martin)
“Great things happen if you live here. I got a job in London by meeting someone in a publishers office in Columbus Circle. Soon I was producing David Bowie and T.Rex. Thirty years later I was featured on a Seventy Five foot billboard in Times Square doing Tai Chi.”
Debbie Harry 2001 - 2016 (portrait of Debbie Harry by Misa Martin)
IGNITED New York at Art on A as part of HOTSPOTPOPSHOP
Conceptual Concept, Photography, Exhibition Design, Branding by Doerte Fitschen-Rath
Window Painting by Steve Ellis