‘Cruising in the Shadows’ explores NYC’s hidden gay history.
The Ramble, Central Park, circa 1960s. Photo: Arthur Tress.
Before we had Grindr, we had our eyes. Maybe it was a nod of the head, or a mischievous grin that led one party to believe the other was interested in more than a friendly hello. Cruising, by necessity, has been an integral part of gay culture, probably since the beginning of time. (Nyankhkhnum and Khnumhotep seemed to be having a good time in ancient Egypt.) Now, one New York City art gallery brings cruising out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
Cruising in the Shadows: Uncovering Secret LGBTQ+ Culture in New York City (apexart, June 6 – July 26) presents never-before-seen photos by Arthur Tress, archival materials, and modern-day reflections on cruising culture. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Tress photographed a staggering number of subjects in the Ramble, the infamous Central Park cruising spot. His work serves as a foundation for the exhibit, curated by writer, photographer, and multimedia artist Matthew Terrell.
Terrell also carefully selected materials from the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project, including a 1982 edition of Bob Damron’s Address Book (an early printed guide of cruising locations), a panel from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and illustrations by contemporary artist Robert Sherer.
Terrell collaborated with Sherer to draw the connection between the past and present. The woodburning drawings reference all-American comics like Archie, but with a grown-up flair, such as a locker room scene featuring a logo referencing the Racket & Tennis Club, a men-only athletic club once known for its steamy, secluded action.
