“Dance Trio (Judi Jupiter Between JJ and Frankie),” Studio 54, NY, NY, July 1977
Capturing the energy of the disco era, Meryl Meisler‘s nightlife photography is a true time capsule. Taken in 1970s New York City, when Meisler worked as an illustrator and art teacher, they bring us into the pulsating beats that brought people of all ages, races, and sexual orientations to the dancefloor. Meisler's solo exhibition, Studio 54 & More, is a celebration of this imagery and the dynamic moment in history they capture.
It’s important to note that Meisler wasn't just a photographer searching for material; she was frequenting these nightclubs herself. “I don’t go out and take pictures. I take pictures where I go,” she shares. This allowed her to create connections with the flamboyant characters who spent their nights on the dance floor, thus making her photographs an insider's view of famous locations like Studio 54.
The show at Paris' Polka Galerie complements the Disco, I'm Coming Out exhibition at the Philharmonie de Paris, which also features Meisler's work. Collectively, they celebrate the world of disco and its importance to American culture.
“As a musical genre at the crossroad of various Civil Rights movements, Disco became a rallying point for queer, Latino, and Black communities,” says the gallery. “The blend of these groups would give rise to a rich iconography made up of the unbridled spectacle of a youth longing for freedom after the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. On the dance floor, Disco is a hymn for the freedom of expression.”
Incredibly, it's only in the last 15 years that Meisler has begun showing her disco photos publicly. After retiring from teaching iņ 2010, she began to explore her rich archives and publish her incredible photography. In doing so, she's allowed us to enter into this world and go back to those magical, carefree evenings.
Studio 54 & More is now on view at Polka Galerie in Paris until May 17, 2025.
Photographer Meryl Meisler spent the 1970s in New York City photographing its nightlife.
“Andy Warhol Smiling with Eyes Closed (Between his Friend and JudiJupiter),” Studio 54, NY, NY July 1977
“Nicole’s Silver Boots Stretched on Floor,” Studio 54, NY, NY June 1977
“Rejected from Studio 54 No No (with Judi Jupiter),” NY, NY, October 1978
“The Dance Floor,” Studio 54, NY, NY, July 1979 1/5
A new exhibition in Paris celebrates her stunning candid photos taken during the disco era.
“Crucify, Star Wars Party,” Fire Island Pines, NY, August 1977
“Trapeze Artist Michelle on A Night We Were Rejected from Studio
54,” GG’s Barnum Room, NY, NY, December 1978
“Dallas Performs Near Mirrors, Hurrah Wild Wild West Party,” NY, NY, March 1978
“I don’t go out and take pictures. I take pictures where I go.”
“Women's Next Move After Initial Embrace on Floor Near Judi Jupiter's Legs,” Les Mouches, NY, NY June 1978
“Exit Door, COYOTE Hookers Masquerade Ball,” Copacabana, NY, NY, February 14, 1977
“Spreading Wings at the COYOTE Hookers Masquerade Ball,” Copacabana, NY, NY, February 14, 1977
“Man In The Moon With An Animated Spoon,” Studio 54, NY, NY, August 1977
“The End (Meryl’s Writing on Judi Jupiter),” Les Mouches, NY, NY
Exhibition Information:
Meryl Meisler
Studio 54 & More
March 21, 2025–May 17, 2025
Polka Galerie
Cour de Venise, 12, rue Saint-Gilles, 75003 Paris
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