CORY REYNOLDS | DATE 6/25/2024

LIVE from NYPL presents Michael Stipe launching 'Even the birds gave pause'

Tuesday, June 25, from 7–8 PM, LIVE from NYPL presents artist and former R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe discussing his new book of photography, Even the birds gave pause, an exploration of contemporary portraiture, published by Damiani. Book signing to follow. Register here.

Michael Stipe recently published his fourth book of photography, Even the birds gave pause, which, he says, sets out “to explore what the portrait means in this century.” It features a series of works-in-progress in plaster, concrete, rotocast plastics, ceramics, bookmaking, and darkroom photographic printing. “We are constantly bombarded with documentation and imagery through digital technology and social media culture,” Stipe said. “Media has collapsed into exploitation and sensation, entertainment, and with that a confusion about image. So, what is the job of the portraitist or photographer in this moment?”

Stipe takes the stage at LIVE from NYPL to talk about this question and share images from Even the birds gave pause. Presented as The Richard B. Salomon Distinguished Lecture.

To join the event in person | Doors will open 45 minutes before the program begins. LIVE from NYPL generally overbooks to ensure a full house. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment; they will do their best to accommodate everyone. Booked seats that have not been claimed will be released shortly before start time, and seats may become available then. A standby line will form 45 minutes before the program. Please register here.

To join the livestream | A livestream of this event will be available on the NYPL event page. To receive an email reminder shortly in advance of the event, please be sure to register! If you encounter any issues, please join us on NYPL's YouTube channel.

Michael Stipe launching 'Even the birds gave pause'
Tuesday, June 25: 7–8 PM
LIVE from NYPL
Edna Barnes Salomon Room (3rd Floor)
The New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
42nd Street & 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10018

Register here