David Armstrong: New York Night & Day, London: rain and shine at the Donlon Books opening

In a winning combination New York new wave photographer David Armstrong travelled to London to host a book signing at East London’s favourite bookshop, Donlon Books. GoSee attended and enjoyed listening to the personal soundtrack Armstrong had created to accompany the striking photos in his latest book Night & Day.

Indeed, Night & Day pretty much does what it says on the cover. It presents iconic Kodachrome pictures of characters from New York’s bohemian subculture and club scenes in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Instead of just seeing these sultry figures pouting in nightclubs and down seedy alleyways, you also get to see them in the day, often squinting sexily with a can of Bud in hand, perhaps to drown the sorrow of forgetting their sunglasses on the sunny day after a heavy night out.

Well, David Armstrong certainly didn’t forget his sunglasses for the Donlon book signing. Probably a wise decision with all the flash photography that went on in the cosy confines of Donlon that evening.

The book contains 110 images, including photos of a generation of youngsters, who were yet to discover just how many flashbulbs would be pointed in their faces in the not too distant future. Some of Armstrong’s New York subjects left a lasting impression on international culture, for example Rene Ricard, Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Jean-Michel Basquait and John Waters to mention a few.

David Armstrong presented London with New York’s Night & Day of a bygone era, captured in images that feel incredibly fresh and up to the minute. And London welcomed David Armstrong with a typical blast of rain and shine, but that didn’t keep the crowds of Armstrong appreciators away from Donlon and its luscious garden.

Donlon Books
77 Broadway Market
London
E8 4PH

Opening times:
Wednesday 11-6pm
Thursday 11-6pm
Friday 11-6pm
Saturday 10-6pm
Sunday 11-6pm


Night & Day: David Armstrong
Morel Books
144 pages | 21 X 28 cm
Casebound with Blue cloth
Cover Designed by Rene Ricard - ConversationJack Pierson
Limited edition of 1,000
RRP: £45