Fire Island, Frozen in Time by Tom Bianchi (Photos)

On the occasion of a new exhibit of Tom Bianchi’s Fire Island Pines Polaroids (1975-1983), we have a chance to go back to a time right before AIDS changed everything. The height of the sexual revolution and a pinnacle of gay evolution coincided and took a vacation trip to the sliver of an island. The Pines was considered the richer, whiter, better-shod end, while Cherry Grove had a funkier, earthier atmosphere and was more welcoming to women. 

When his lover died of AIDS in 1988, Bianchi turned his focus to photography, employing the camera to heal psychic, sexual, and social shame. He has exhibited at galleries and museums in the United States and beyond. His works are held in many private and public collections. Bianchi has produced 21 books exploring sexual identity.

The moving memoir Bianchi wrote for Fire Island Pines: Polaroids 1975-1983, together with the photographs, recorded the birth and development of a new culture at a critical time in America’s political and aesthetic life. Much of the good we see accomplished today for gay civil liberties and queer consciousness began on the beach at Fire Island. Bianchi was there, ensuring that the beauty of the moment would live on.

Throckmorton Fine Art presents: "Tom Bianchi’s Fire Island Pines: Polaroids 1975-1983"
June 29 – September 16,;  book available for $50.
Throckmorton Fine Art, 145 E. 57th St., third floor, New York, NY 10022

Opening reception: June 29, 6 -9 p.m.