In this age of peak social media documenting and sharing of even the most banal moments, everyone is a photographer… of sorts. Close-ups of applying serum to one’s cheeks and pressing the on button of a blender are shot, reshot, cropped, edited, and filtered with the same painstaking degree we reserve for high art. It’s a far cry from the origins of photography in the late 1800s when the technological challenges of capturing light required that subjects remain stationary for minutes, if not hours. It’s no wonder portraiture was the dominant genre in the nascent phase of the art form.
It also explains, in part, the preponderance of models who were marginal figures – laborers, prostitutes, immigrants, and all manner of exotic curios – who were in need of a few pence for posing and who could spare the time.
And let’s face it, bad boys and girls are inherently interesting and photogenic. With all the trends in photography – street realism, selfies, family moments – the preference for portraits and certain types of subjects endures. People who are captivating, with stunning facial features and an outre fashion sense exude vibes that beg to be stared at and documented for posterity. It’s what motivated ex-model and veteran fashion photographer Clarence Klingebeil to turn his lens to inked vixens and rebels for “Misfits,” his latest photography exhibition at the 201at105 Gallery.
“It will never cease to amaze me when people afford me a glimpse into their inner lives, however brief it may be.: –Clarence Klingebeil
In part driven by a childhood fascination with an uncle’s prison tattoos, Klingebeil noticed the ink renaissance of the last decade gurgling up from niche to mainstream body modification while visiting tattoo conventions, motorcycle rallies, and Hardcore music shows.
After a deep dive into the street culture of skate kids that resulted in the Skate Homies exhibitions and three accompanying coffee table volumes, Klingelbeil has honed in on a realist black and white style of portraiture reminiscent of Richard Avedon’s “American West.” The seminal tome, in an about face for the famed fashion photographer adored for striking images of celebrities in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, harks back to photography’s nascent interest in everyday folks and marginal figures. Similar to Avedon’s exploration of the American heartland, the minimalist framing and crisp monochrome contrast at work in both “Misfits” and “Skate Homies” captures the spirit of these respective subcultures while allowing the subjects to channel their inner lives and personal connection to its ethos.
“Misfits” runs at the 201at105 Gallery in Nolita until Sunday, November 23, 2025. Clarence Klingebeil will host an Artist Q &A to discuss his process and model selection at the gallery on Friday, Nov 15, 2025.
Check out Clarence Klingebeil’s extensive portfolio of coffee table books, special prints of “Skate Homies” and contact him directly for fashion and commercial photography.
