Happy Effin’ Holidays

November 22, 2011



Michael Marrero & Jay

The Studios of Key West Crew

Chris & Erin

Happy Effin’ Holidays

The busy holiday season got off to a twisted start this week at The Studios of Key West where this week’s Walk on White was hi-lighted by the opening of a new exhibition by the incredibly talented photographer Michael Marrero. His last exhibition, the highly lauded, beautiful and moving collection of portraits of members of the MARC (Monroe County Association of Remarkable Citizens) House, was a sensation and captured the beauty, hopes and dreams of a segment of our population that is all too frequently marginalized in our society. Those looking for something similar with this show were in for a rude awakening as Marrero’s new work is a fractured and twisted look at the holiday season.

* Photo by Michael Marrero



While the work is in a completely different some would say opposite direction, it is nonetheless an excellent collection of subversive yet still wonderful work. You knew something was different about this show when upon entering the Studios a small sign warned that the show featured “Adult Content” and was not suitable for children. My guess is that some of the photos may not have been suitable for some adults either, but the crowd at the Armory seemed to love the show.









My mother Marta had arrived earlier in the day, I had actually changed her flight so that she could make it to the show. We had dinner at Café Sole before walking over to the Studios. I had not given her much of a heads up about the content and was slightly nervous about her reaction, especially since Kathy & I had been models and sponsors for one of the photos.





Liz & Santa

Thankfully she took the whole thing in with her natural good nature and appreciation for art. The show was a big success and the bizarre works which all focused on some twisted yet somehow truth revealing aspect of the holiday season, were very well received. Kathy and I were especially gratified by the number of positive comments that we received on the photo that featured us.

Hutch & Rick with our Fantasy Fest Float Award

Marta & Santa

We can take very little of the credit for the quality of the photo, though we did help come up with the concept with Michael. I also want to thank Michael’s girlfriend Liz who was instrumental in my hair and make-up and in helping us set up the shot. It was a tremendous pleasure to work with them both, if they ever need models for anything in the future we would happily volunteer.

Howard & Najada

Martha & Elena



It was a wonderful evening, Santa (our friend Chad) was on hand in costume and he was the centerpiece of many of the photos that were presented. In fact many of our friends were featured in the collection and it was great fun to see them presented in such bizarre settings. The show will be on display at the Studios until mid-December so if you are brave enough and in Key West, head on over and check it out.



Marta

Charlie, Haig, Najada & Howard