Weekend Highlights: Collectors & Tastemakers
Weekend Highlights: Collectors & Tastemakers
Highlights from AFTER DARK: Photography
Lot 8: Jack Pierson (American, b. 1960). Amagansett, 2005. Chromogenic print. Estimated at $10,000 - $15,000.
Our upcoming AFTER DARK: Photography catalog brings together the collections of renowned tastemakers such as the singer-songwriter Sir Elton John, the American art-dealer and curator Charles Cowles, and William Como the editor-in-chief of Dance and After Dark Magazine.
Our first collection highlight of the auction is this photograph by Jack Pierson, sourced from Elton John’s Atlanta estate on Peachtree Road (as credited in the musician’s 27th studio album, Peachtree Road).
Known for his intimate portraiture, Pierson’s photography explores themes of longing, youth, and self-presentation, often set against the backdrop of the gay communities of New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami. He is associated with the Boston School of photographers alongside Nan Goldin, David Armstrong, and Mark Morrisroe, the latter of which had a significant impact on Pierson, both artistically, through their shared approach to portraiture, and as a former lover and frequent muse.
Lot 32: Collection of Twenty-Three (23) Collotypes of Tony Sansone and Bill Hillgardner, ca. 1937. Collotype. Estimated at $1,200 - $1,800.
Also featured in our catalog is an exceptional collection of photography from the estate of Charles Cowles, an American art dealer, collector, and former curator of the Seattle Art Museum. Cowles’ lesser-known collection of male form photography showcases both a keen curatorial eye, and a wide-range of art world connections.
Included in this collection are works purchased from Wessel O’Connor Gallery exhibitions, featuring artists like Stanley Stellar and the BONE BOYZ artist collective; works sourced directly from their respective artists, such as Kenneth "Ken" Probst and Ola Stillman Rockefeller (each of which is accompanied by a letter from their to Cowles); and many other works of fine art photography.
Lot 78: Stanley Stellar (American, b. 1945). Dana with Large Ring, ca. 1990s. Gelatin silver print. Estimated at $800 - $1,200.
Lot 53: Christopher Makos (American, b. 1948). One of Three (3) Diptych Photographs by Christopher Makos, 1974. Gelatin silver print. Estimated at $1,600 - $2,200.
Our final collection highlight comes from the estate of William Como, former editor-in-chief of After Dark & Dance Magazine. Featuring works at their 11 x 14” master copy scale, sourced directly from the darkroom of the artists, this collection offers a new perspective on the photos that graced the pages of one of the most influential gay entertainment magazines.
From artists such as Christopher Makos, Kenn Duncan, and Jack Mitchell to Roy Blakey, Arthur Whitney, and Colin Clarke, this estate collection captures some of the most iconic dance and editorial photography of the 1970s.
Lot 50: Kenn Duncan (American, 1928-1986) A Series of Eight (8) Large Portrait Photographs of Alexander Godunov, 1975. Gelatin silver print. Estimated at $800 - $1,200.
Browse the catalog to find these highlights and other works that showcase the beauty of the male form. There’s still plenty of time to register, request condition reports, or place pre-bids on any lots you’re interested in for our upcoming September 24th auction!
Don’t forget to follow us on instagram, and check out our Artists of AFTER DARK index to learn more about the histories and artists featured in our AFTER DARK auction series!
Mark your calendars for the livestreamed simulcast sale on 09/24/2026 at 7PM EST, and tune in to the video for exclusive commentary from the auctioneer.
Register today on our platform to access our lowest buyer’s premium (25%).