Photographer Steven Sebring’s newest exhibition, Illumination, Who Are Poets opened at Milk Gallery at Milk Studios last night. The show paid homage to a long line of music legends, including Jim Carroll, Joey Ramone, Neil Young, Richard Hell, Patti Smith, and Phillip Glass. Large portraits were featured from the photographer’s extensive career including old Polaroids and photos shot on film but distorted using digital technology. Memorabilia of the featured artists was also shown though out the space.

Patti Smith was on hand for the event, and performed at the reception to a captive crowd, which included Michael Stipe (who introduced the rock legend), Irina Lazareanu, Edward Mapplethorpe, Ross Bleckner, Richard Chai, and more. Smith performed a tribute to each of the poets featured in Sebring’s work, including a poem by Richard Hell, “Blitzkrieg Bop” by the Ramones, “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed, and the evening’s standout, R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” together with Stipe. Some photos, below.

A view of the exhibition

Irina Lazareanu

Michael Stipe with the artist, Steven Sebring

Richard Chai

Patti Smith performing with Michael Stipe

Sky Ferreira

Text Taryn Harrington
Photography Billy Farrell Agency

Illumination is at Milk Gallery until April 17.

KEYWORDS: art, Michael Stipe, Milk Gallery, patti smith, Sky Ferreira, Steven Sebring