José Picayo “35 Years in Photographs”

This exhibition, “35 Years in Photographs" is Picayo’s 10th solo show at Robin Rice Gallery. It includes a selection of photographs spanning 1991-2025.

Picayo, renowned for fashion and still-life photography, communicates quirky yet formal elegance. His portraits, appearing strong and severe at times, resonate with elements of humor and beauty. Refusing labels, he is very eclectic when his choice of subjects or in defining a particular style and is always consistent in his meticulous technique. His photographs can be described as vintage, yet no date can readily be placed upon them.

An unapologetic user of film, Picayo, prides himself on his avoidance of digital processing for his personal work. When asked why it remains his preferred medium, Picayo answers, “Digital is so overpoweringly real; photography is more magical to me.” His passion for older photographic processes is complemented by his use of both 20” x 24” and 8” x 10” Polaroids, as well as the use of large-format cameras for his commercial work.  For Picayo, large-format film is a medium where he can capture a moment in time. Just to hold the photograph in his hands is enough.

Born in Havana, Cuba in 1959, José Picayo left his homeland in 1966 and moved to Puerto Rico, where he lived for 10 years. By 1975 José was in Kent, Ohio, completing his high school studies, and in 1981, he settled in New York City, where he received a BFA from Parsons School of Design in 1983. José began his professional career in 1987, working for such magazines as Vanity (Italian), Sassy, Taxi, and Connoisseur. Picayo, who has taken aesthetic gambles, made a name for himself in the magazine world through highly individualistic, striking imagery. His work has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, L.A. Style, New York Times Magazine, Esquire, Rolling Stone, NY Magazine, Elle Decor, HG, and Martha Stewart Living, as well as other U.S. and European publications. During the 1990s, after 28 years away, José returned to Cuba to photograph in his hometown. At this same time, he was teaching photography at Parsons School of Design and at the International Center of Photography in New York City.

Picayo is currently working in both photography and textiles, concentrating on various techniques and traditions of weaving. He has recently taught weaving at the Textile Arts Center, the National Council of Jewish Women, and New York Presbyterian Methodist Hospital.