Before the Camera: A Selection of Contemporary Studio Tableaux. February 11 to March 26, 1986.

Burden Gallery, Aperture Foundation, Inc., 1986. Foldout six-page brochure. Texts by Charles Stainback, guest curator, and Larry Frascella, co-curator. Illustrated with biographical information about the photographers, Dianne Blell, Bruce Charlesworth, Patrick Nagatani/Andree Tracy, and Nic Nicosia. Scarce, only one copy listed in the world's libraries in WorldCat. Near fine with minor signs of handling. Summary:

efore the Camera: A Selection of Contemporary Studio Tableaux (February 11 – March 26, 1986) was an exhibition catalogue and six-page brochure published by the Burden Gallery at Aperture Foundation, Inc.

Overview & Highlights

• Curatorial Focus: Curated by Charles Stainback alongside co-curator Larry Frascella, the exhibition examined staged, studio-constructed narrative photography (tableau photography) produced prior to the digital manipulation era.

• Featured Artists: Includes artwork and biographical profiles of key contemporary studio photographers, including Dianne Blell, Bruce Charlesworth, Nic Nicosia, and the collaborative duo Patrick Nagatani & Andrée Tracey.

• Publication Format: Serves as a rare archival document published by Aperture featuring critical texts, artist entries, and photographic illustrations detailing the artistic process of constructing theatrical scenes directly in front of the lens.