This Photo Show is Awash with Lust

Photographers Benedict Brink and Todd Jordan convinced a Lower Eastside laundromat owner to allow them to display photography on the walls above commercial washers and dryers over three months time. The photo show, aptly titled, The Spring Cleaning, at Long Giang Dang Laundry, features 25 photographers: from young guns like Justin Guthrie and a handful of SVA alumni, to visionaries Larry Clark and Cheryl Dunn.

Above Downy bottles and stacks of dirty laundry, poetic photographic moments occur. Tonight marks the third and final chapter of The Spring Cleaning show, featuring the works of 10 photographers like Ed Templeton and Clare Shilland. "We have had the pleasure of working with a variety of artists who, regardless of age, experience or celebrity, bring to photography a sense of chaos, energy, lust, and rebellion," the curators note.

The Creators Project asked co-curator Todd Jordan about the putting on a show in an old laundromat:

The Creators Project: Were there any thematic considerations for the group of photographers you selected for The Spring Cleaning show?

Todd Jordan: We both have very similar taste in photography so it was really just about jotting down some of our favorite photographers and asking them to be involved. There’s surely some underlying themes and I think [it's] safe to say that youth, sexuality, and a certain degree of carelessness are a few.

What came first the venue or the title of the show?

The venue. And that genius title came soon after…

In curating the photo submissions, did you make considerations for idyll laundry time?

Well that was one of the big ideas from the beginning. We've all been in laundromats staring at the walls until the dry cycle finishes and we just thought it would be nice to change up the scenery a bit. And the location of this particular laundromat seems to attract clientele with an appreciation for the arts.

How did you decide how to hang the art/present the prints?

It was really a matter of working around the restrictions of the laundromat. We were not granted any access after or before hours. So with that we really encouraged everyone to just send prints that we could hang however easiest. And that’s generally some nails and black binder clips.

Has any of the art been stolen?

Thankfully, no. Not saying it’s not possible but it would take a bit of effort. The washers and dryers are fairly large obstacles to climb over in order to reach the work on display.

Have you been approached by other non-traditional venues to curate photo shows in their spaces?

Not directly, but Mary, who 'manages' the laundromat and sort of juggles her time between there and the wine shop across the street has suggested that we do an exhibition at the wine shop. She's clearly taken a liking to us, but the laundromat surely has got more charm.

Where do you do YOUR laundry?

Usually at different art galleries in Chelsea.

How do you ask Larry Clark to submit artwork to your show?

Just like everyone else. Larry actually got behind the show very early on and was a huge push to really make it happen. Not to mention he's probably the largest source of inspiration among nearly every photographer involved in the show.

The opening reception for the third installment of The Spring Cleaning is from 5-8 PM tonight at 168 Elizabeth Street. The landromat is open daily from 8 AM - 8 PM daily.

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