1993
In an age where digital photography reigns supreme, José Picayo makes no apologies for his commitment to Polaroid film. “Digital is so overpoweringly real,” he told Musée magazine. “Photography is more magical to me.” With Polaroid film, Picayo explains he can capture his evocative portraits, still-lifes and landscapes “as they are — a moment in time.”
Born in 1959 in Havana, Picayo left Cuba with his family in 1966, moving to Puerto Rico. In 1975, they settled in Kent, Ohio, where he completed high school and attended Kent State University for two years. By 1981, Picayo moved to New York City and graduated with a BFA from Parsons School of Design in 1983.
For the next few years, Picayo assisted several photographers before he began his career as a commercial photographer in 1987. During this time, he worked for several publications, including Italian magazines Sassy, Taxi and Connoisseur. Picayo also moonlighted as a teacher during the 1990s, teaching photography at his alma mater and Manhattan’s International Center of Photography.
Despite the introduction of digital photography in the late 20th century, Picayo has remained loyal to film photography, preferring to shoot with Polaroid film. The 8 x 10 images are then printed on Japanese paper, which lends visual texture and a timeworn quality to his black and white and color photos. While he is well known for his fashion photography, Picayo credits several influential photographers for their impact on his creative works. These include Eugène Atget, Edward S. Curtis, Michael Disfarmer, Walker Evans and Torkil Gudnason.
Picayo has exhibited extensively in both solo and group shows throughout the US, including the Robin Rice Gallery in New York City and the Erie Art Museum in Pennsylvania. His works have appeared in numerous publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, L.A. Style, the New York Times Magazine, Esquire, Rolling Stone and more.
Find authentic José Picayo photography on 1stDibs.
"Keith #1", 1994
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
Picayo is known for his portraits of men. His models have masculine body types and features but are shown with a soft and innocent air. This particular shot shows a model curled in t...
Silver Gelatin
"Philipe #2", 1994
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
Men, portrait, sepia tone, handsome, fashion, man, male, stoic, vintage, Black & White, sepia, fashion, black and white, b&w, portrait, film, intimate, close up, soft blur, focus In...
Silver Gelatin
"Warren", 1994
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
Picayo's portraits are incredible at highlighting human expressions that are hard to capture in words. The expression of this man, Warren, is one of confusion yet detachment. He grab...
Silver Gelatin
"Keith #2", 1994
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
The sharp lines of this sand dune draws the viewer into the photo's subject, the nude man standing amidst the barren desert terrain. In this photo, Picayo captures the pressing yet f...
Silver Gelatin
"Albert", 1994
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
portrait, sad man, melancholy, pensive, dark, men, male, man, fashion, portrait, Sepia Tone, black and white, portrait, melancholy, male, black & white, face Born in Havana, Cuba in 1959, José Picayo left his homeland in 1966 and moved to Puerto Rico, where he lived for 10 years. By 1975 José was in Kent, Ohio completing his high school studies. In 1981, he settled in New York City, where he received a BFA from Parsons School of Design in 1983. José began his professional career in 1987, working for such magazines as Vanity (Italian), Sassy, Taxi, and Connoisseur. His work has appeared in Harper's Bazaar, L.A. Style, New York Times Magazine, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, Lucky Brand...
Silver Gelatin
"Jim", 1994
By Jose Picayo
Located in Hudson, NY
handsome, man, side, portrait, patterns, slick, sexy, sepia, fashion, style, men, sepia tone, man, portrait, black and white, black & white, pattern Born in Havana, Cuba in 1959, José Picayo left his homeland in 1966 and moved to Puerto Rico, where he lived for 10 years. By 1975 José was in Kent, Ohio completing his high school studies. In 1981, he settled in New York City, where he received a BFA from Parsons School of Design in 1983. José began his professional career in 1987, working for such magazines as Vanity (Italian), Sassy, Taxi, and Connoisseur. His work has appeared in Harper's Bazaar, L.A. Style, New York Times Magazine, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, Lucky Brand...
Silver Gelatin
Untitled
By Bill Costa
Located in New York, NY
This photograph by Bill Costa is offered by CLAMP in New York City. Untitled 1993 Signed, dated, and numbered in ink, recto; Also titled and dated in pencil, verso Gelatin silver ...
Silver Gelatin
Julio Nuñes
By Pedro Slim
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print (Edition of 10) Signed and dated in pencil, l.r. Titled in pencil, l.l. 14 x 11 inches, sheet 8 x 8 inches, image This photograph is offered by ClampArt, locat...
Silver Gelatin
Self Portrait
By Marcus Leatherdale
Located in New York, NY
Self Portrait 1984 Signed, titled, dated, and inscribed “AP,” in pencil, verso; Artist stamp in ink, verso Gelatin silver print 9.25 x 9.25 inches, image 25 x 21 inches, framed T...
Silver Gelatin
Nicolas
By Pedro Slim
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print (Edition of 10) Signed and dated in pencil, l.r. Titled in pencil, l.l. 14 x 11 inches, sheet 8 x 8 inches, image This photograph is offered by ClampArt, locat...
Silver Gelatin
Jim
Located in Kansas City, MO
Mike Lyon Jim Year: 2008 Lithograph Edition: 26 Paper: Rives BFK, White Paper: Rives BFK, Tan Paper Size: 43.75 x 30 inches Image Size: 37.5 x 26 inches (irregular) Signed and number...
Lithograph
Portrait of Marty
By Amos Badertscher
Located in New York, NY
Portrait of Marty 1999 Titled, dated and inscribed in black ink, recto; Also signed, dated, numbered, and inscribed in black ink, verso Gelatin silver pr...
Silver Gelatin
