Artist and photographer David Gamble was born in East London and was brought up primarily in the countryside near Cambridge. He attended Ealing Art School, prior home to famous musicians Freddie Mercury, Pete Townshend and Ronnie Wood - all individuals who inspired his work from the 70s. As he began to form his career, Gamble found a passion for photo series, portrait photography, and painting. In 1987, Gamble went on to photograph one of his most notable projects - Andy Warhol’s home.
Gamble began photographing for national and international publications including the Observer, TIME, Newsweek, and the New Yorker. Around this time, Warhol’s manager Fred Hughes became a supporter of Gamble’s work. Shortly after Warhol passed away, Hughes wanted Gamble to document the artist’s personal belongings for an upcoming estate sale. The rest became history and resulted in a multi-page collection of images that continue to gain recognition.
Taking on this task was the least bit daunting for Gamble. The photographer is greatly interested in discovering a portrait of the individual that isn’t normally seen by others. By using personal assets that spark a sense of familiarity, Gamble is able to compose an image of their condition. Where one would immediately go to the fine art on the wall or the decorated luxuries - and yes he eventually did - Gamble found beauty and context from medicine cabinets and cookie jars. Warhol’s taste was perfect. The photographer recalls, “He could be really tacky and sort of cheap, but on the other side he knew quality when he saw it. A lot of surprises in Andy’s house were the objects and pieces of furniture which in themselves were all collectibles. Andy had the eye to see the value in something most did not immediately notice.”
In addition to Gamble’s photos being lauded for his distinct artistic perspective of Warhol, they also provided Sotheby’s the opportunity to market this VIP ephemera to larger markets. Before the Andy Warhol auction, most individuals did not realize the popularity and financial success of celebrity auctions. Since then, personal objects from prominent figures have become a demanded need for many; the ability to possess an item originally owned by the individual, even if it’s a pair of eyeglasses or a cookie jar, becomes increasingly more valuable. These objects were history. Auction houses took note of the Warhol sale and began orchestrating future celebrity sales.
Gamble’s photographic portraits have received esteem internationally. He has a number of pieces, including images of billionaire businessman Alan Sugar and the physicist Stephen Hawking, in the National Portrait Gallery of Washington D.C. and London. Beyond photography, Gamble’s passion emerges in a variety of forms. He is currently working on a 16mm short film with a New Orleans jazz composer. Unlike other filmmakers, Gamble plans everything out in his head, as he edits in-camera. For Gamble, the entire process of creating visuals is enjoyable and says, “Similar to some images of the Warhol estate, I may end up painting on the film. I like physically creating an image, or physically crafting something onto a piece of film.”
Gamble doesn’t use digital processing. Instead, he remarks, “I love that whatever I create, it’s because I chose it. I like to keep my image untouched as much as possible.” He explains, “There is no forgiveness in film. It’s a level of disciplinary parameters, but I love knowing how to do it. All of my cameras are manual which means everything, focus, shutter speed, exposure, and aperture is chosen by myself.”Focusing on raw talent, Gamble creates a sense of opulence in his work - untouched quality without an excess of unnecessary embellishment.
At present, Gamble is focusing on his newest painting series and installation, Silence, a powerful collection that shines a light on women suffering abuse and as a result , emotional and mental issues.
In addition to Silence, Gamble is also developing Exhibit titled, East 66th St. a Warhol Full Size House Installation, and a special 30th-anniversary edition of the Warhol photographs on Aluminum.
Two large photographs of this 30thEdition, Andy Warhol’s Wig and Glasses 1987 and Warhol’s Medicine Cabinet 1987 will be sold at Sotheby’s Photography Auction April 10th, 2018 NYC.
Until then, Gamble is working with galleries in New York, appearing in Peter Marcelle’s new space MMFineArt in Southampton NY . His work is managed by Jason Burdeen and can be found in museums and galleries around the world, with certainly more to come.
Two large photographs of this 30thEdition, Andy Warhol’s Wig and Glasses 1987 and Warhol’s Medicine Cabinet 1987 will be sold at Sotheby’s Photography Auction April 10th, 2018 NYC.
Until then, Gamble is working with galleries in New York, appearing in Peter Marcelle’s new space MMFineArt in Southampton NY. His work is managed by Jason Burdeen and can be found in museums and galleries around the world, with certainly more to come.
For more information, keep up with the artist at www.davidgamble.net