Sneak Peak! Thomas Allen creates a work expressly for Aperture
We wanted to give our devoted blog readers a little inside scoop and a sneak peak at the new Limited-Edition Photograph created by Thomas Allen expressly for Aperture. We will be releasing this work later in the summer. To create Suspended, 2008 exclusively for Aperture’s Limited-Edition Photographs program, American artist Thomas Allen selected the pulpiest of pulp paperbacks and then lovingly sliced out the cover figures, folding them into position and constructing the witty scene that he then photographs. We were thrilled that Thomas agreed to participate in our program ( a big thank you to Michael Foley of Foley Gallery, who represents Thomas Allen’s work in New York for also thinking it was a good idea ) , and even more thrilled that he decided to create a work expressly for Aperture. States the artist, “this image makes me laugh every time I see it. I found the book with the woman seated at a desk some time ago, but didn’t have a clue as to what to do with it. I didn’t find a “mate” until I began thinking about the limited-edition print ideas for Aperture. Truth be told, I found two books – one I used and this one:

but I felt it didn’t spark the tension like the one in the final print does-two coeds schooling us on the primal art of getting noticed.”
Allen enjoys taking on different roles in creating his photographs, ” in addition to being a photographer, I play talent scout, casting director, stage manager, lighting supervisor, and film editor.” He photographs these vignettes in shallow focus, with a four-by-five inch camera, rendering his prints with the dreamy effect reminiscent of the View-Master stereoscopic toy that inspired him from his childhood. Aperture proudly published his debut monograph Uncovered in 2007. This print will be coming to the Aperture website soon so be sure to sign up for notification online so you know when it will be available.
Tags: Foley Gallery, Limited-Edition Photograph, Thomas Allen, Uncovered


July 11th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I’ve always loved his work and think it’s a brilliant concept. I only ask myself whether he will move on at some point or is he a one trick pony?
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
I just saw the print this weekend and it is quite nice, great size and a very good price. Very interesting was Allen does in this photo series.
I am very curious to see what is next!
Thanks Kellie!