12/08/2017, The Bildhalle für zeitgenössische Fotografie in Zürich currently presents the exhibition Willy Spiller – Street Life NY/LA 1977–1985. The show continues until 27 January 2018.
The Swiss photographer Willy Spiller lived in New York and Los Angeles between 1977 and 1985. Fascinated by the tempo, energy and absurdity of the seventies and eighties, he roamed the streets far and wide with his camera. Whether commuters on the New York underground, dancers at the legendary Studio 54, hip-hop culture on the streets of New York, or high society pool life in LA,
Spiller captured the many facets of a bygone, dazzling world in images as varied, fascinating and absurd as that world itself had been.
In the process, he combined a curiosity for his fellow human beings with a deep understanding of the beauty of everyday life and world around him. It is this that ensures his place in the annals of great Swiss photography. Like many of the well-known names before him, he managed to translate empathy into form through strength of will.
Further information at: Bildhalle für zeitgenössische Fotografie and Willy Spiller
Willy Spiller, Man in Blue Suit, NEW YORK, 1977-1985
© Willy Spiller
Willy Spiller, Used Cars Sale, Pasadena, LA, 1977-1985
© Willy Spiller
Willy Spiller, Schoolgirls on the train to Far Rockaway, Queens Subway New York, 1977–1985 © Willy Spiller