Baryshnikov, Mikhail. (b. 1948) [Swope, Martha. (1928–2017)] [Tharp, Twyla. (b. 1941)]
"Push Comes to Shove" - Signed Photograph
Original Martha Swope photograph of the great dancer and choreographer in costume for Twyla Tharp's 1976 ballet Push Comes to Shove. Baryshnikov has signed and inscribed "To Paul" in black ink. Photographer's stamp and "Ballet Theatre Foundation / Presents / American Ballet Theatre / Mikhail Baryshnikov, Artistic Director" stamps to verso. In very fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.).Born in Riga, Baryshnikov had a promising start in the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad before defecting to Canada in 1974 for more opportunities in western dance. After freelancing with many companies, he joined the New York City Ballet as a principal dancer to learn George Balanchine's style of movement. He then danced with the American Ballet Theatre, where he later became artistic director. Baryshnikov has spearheaded many of his own artistic projects and has been associated in particular with promoting modern dance, premiering dozens of new works, including many of his own.
Martha Swope was official photographer of the New York City Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Her portraits have become iconic images of 20th-century dance.
From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications. (20390)
Dance Signed Photograph