Divas of San Francisco Get Good Vibes
Good Vibrations showcases transgender photo book with an official Pride event opening and exhibition
By: Saskia Vogel
Posted: 06/20/2008
SAN FRANCISCO - Good Vibrations, the education-focused Bay Area adult novelty retailer, is showcasing David Steinberg's book Divas of San Francisco: Portraits of Transsexual Women with an official Gay Pride event opening and special reception in their Polk Street Gallery on June 26.
"We're proud to stand behind David Steinberg's work and the subjects he portrays," said Steven Duncan, Good Vibrations' creative director. "It's a tribute to the trans community, having this art opening as part of the official Pride events."
For over five years, photographer David Steinberg has documented the transgender women who frequent the nation's premier transgender club, Divas Nightclub and Bar in San Francisco. Two thirds of the 59 images from Steinberg's recently released book will be on display during Good Vibrations Polk Street Gallery show.
"This collection of intimate, revealing photographs portrays the individuality, diversity, and fierce integrity of a group of people who are alternately ignored and fetishized, but rarely acknowledged and appreciated for who they really are," Steinberg said.
Steinberg's images provoke both favorable and unpleasant responses. When his portraits were hanging as part of the Erotic Beauty show at Seattle's Benham's Gallery, the front glass window was smeared with feces and shattered with a utility-hole cover. "Our window was smashed by a person who was challenged by the content of this exhibition," gallery owner Maria Holdaway postulated.
The exhibition will run from June 26 to July 20, 2008, at the Good Vibrations Polk Street Gallery, l620 Polk Street, San Francisco. Admission is free. The opening reception for the artist and friends is on June 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more on David Steinberg's photographic and editorial work on sex and gender issues, please visit DavidSteinberg.us.
