Paul Thek and Peter Hujar: Stay away from nothing

Paul Thek and Peter Hujar: Stay away from nothing

Follow the friendship and romance of storied artists Peter Hujar and Paul Thek, from the US to Italy and back again, through previously unpublished letters, postcards, candid portraits and contact sheets This volume shines a spotlight on the deep relationship between Paul Thek (1933–88) and Peter Hujar (1934–87) through the artists' letters and photographs. The book opens with Hujar's early portraits capturing the beginnings of their relationship, including Thek's first letters to Hujar, written while aboard a containership en route to Europe, where the two would eventually meet in Rome. From there, the publication traces their evolution into the icons we know them as today, with the remaining letters tracing Thek's travels and adventures, romantic dalliances, work and financial ups and downs through 1975. Stay away from nothing reproduces more than 50 letters and postcards, along with drawings and other ephemera; their poetic, quotidian and melancholic tone provide a rare glimpse into Thek and Hujar's relationship as it wavers between seduction, glamour, tumult and mischievousness. Throughout this period, Hujar photographed Thek in his now iconic style, capturing him in Italy, in various studios and on the beaches of Fire Island. Included are the artist's now-classic images of Thek in the catacombs in Palermo, as well as his studio portraits of the artist creating The Tomb . Among these well-known works are dozens of other photographs and contact sheets, many unpublished until now, including candid portraits of Thek as well as images of the two artists goofing around or posing for passport photos. Collectively, these images demonstrate not only the complex emotional interiority of Thek but the tender, dark and hopeful connection between the two artists, lovers and friends. Stay Away From Nothing' allows us a treasured insight into a significant two-decade-long alliance which enabled both men to push and inspire one another. -- Emily Dinsdale ― AnOther Magazine Every page feels like a peek into a beautiful, messy, deeply human relationship that fueled an incredible body of work for both. -- Michael Nolledo ― GQ In the letters and photographs reproduced here, we are afforded an insight into a relationship which could be seductive, gentle, cheeky or turbulent. The book traces the timeline of the letters and photographs, from 1965 to 1975, as both creatives were establishing their now-distinctive styles. Hujar’s photographs of Thek, in Italy, in studios, on Fire Island beaches or in Palermo catacombs, reveal both his skill and the depth of his feeling for his friend. -- Hannah Silver ― Wallpaper*