Through the Lens: Featuring Roberto Dutesco & The Wild Horses of Sable Island ®

THROUGH THE LENS FEATURING ROBERTO DUTESCO & THE WILD HORSES OF SABLE ISLAND

& BOB GRUEN, GREG DAVIS, RAPHAEL MAZZUCCO, TODD MURPHY, HUNTER BARNES

THROUGH THE LENS FEATURING ROBERTO DUTESCO & THE WILD HORSES OF SABLE ISLAND

& BOB GRUEN, GREG DAVIS, RAPHAEL MAZZUCCO, TODD MURPHY, HUNTER BARNES

FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 2, 2025

THROUGH THE LENS FEATURING ROBERTO DUTESCO & THE WILD HORSES OF SABLE ISLAND

West Chelsea Contemporary proudly presents Through the Lens: Featuring Roberto Dutesco & The Wild Horses of Sable Island,® a landmark exhibition that brings Dutesco’s globally celebrated photographs to Texas for the first time. Joined by the works of renowned photographers Bob Gruen, Greg Davis, Raphael Mazzucco, Todd Murphy and Hunter Barnes, this collection highlights photography's significance in the art world and pays tribute to the groundbreaking visionaries who elevate the discipline. From the untamed majesty of Sable Island and the vibrant cultures of Oaxaca to iconic moments from decades past, this exhibition underscores the enduring power of photography to inspire, captivate, and transform. Showcasing artists hanging in the homes of notable collectors such as Elton John, Yoko Ono, Tommy Hilfiger, Yolanda Hadid, and Rihanna, Through the Lens stands as a testament to the prestige and cultural significance of fine art photography, inviting viewers to engage with a medium celebrated by the world’s most discerning collectors and institutions.

Roberto Dutesco is an internationally acclaimed artist, photographer, and filmmaker whose career spans over 35 years and 75 countries. Born in Romania and trained in Montreal, he gained early recognition photographing figures like Pierre Trudeau and the Dalai Lama before dedicating himself to capturing the untamed beauty of The Wild Horses of Sable Island.® For over 30 years, Dutesco has documented the island’s 500 wild horses, blending art and conservation in works exhibited globally in the United States, Japan, France, Switzerland, Korea, and beyond. His nonprofit, IAMWILD,® furthers his mission by supporting wildlife conservation and restoring ecosystems. Through his photographs, Dutesco invites viewers to experience the profound freedom and resilience of nature while inspiring action to preserve it.

Celebrated rock-and-roll photographer, Bob Gruen, has brought iconic moments from music history to life through his lens, capturing legends like John Lennon, Debbie Harry, Prince, and Tina Turner. Todd Murphy’s evocative work, collected by notable musicians John Mellencamp, Michael Stipe, Jon Bon Jovi, and Elton John, weaves powerful storytelling with rich symbology, blending cinematic compositions with themes of history, mythology, and the human condition. National Geographic contributing photographer Greg Davis, brings a vibrant and deeply human perspective to his work, documenting the richness of global cultures with unmatched authenticity. Hunter Barnes offers an unflinching glimpse into American subcultures with works housed in the permanent archives of museums across the United States. Raphael Mazzucco’s globally celebrated artwork, which has been featured in top fashion magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair, pushes the boundaries of the photographic medium and offers rich visual narratives.

Through the Lens brings together a remarkable roster of artists whose works span decades, cultures, and genres, celebrating photography’s ability to illuminate history, amplify voices, and preserve the beauty of our shared human experience.

Photography collectors will recognize the incredible talents while burgeoning collectors discover why photography is key to any personal collection. Through the Lens invites you to engage with the visionaries who have shaped photography into an enduring and vital art form.

ROBERTO DUTESCO Romanian - Canadian, b. 1961

Roberto Dutesco is an internationally acclaimed artist, photographer, and filmmaker whose work spans over 35 years of experience across 75 countries. Born in Romania and raised in Canada, Dutesco’s work ranges from intimate portraits to breathtaking landscapes, always reflecting his deep understanding of light, texture, and emotion. He gained early recognition photographing prominent figures like Pierre Trudeau and the Dalai Lama, but is best known for his project capturing the untamed beauty of the Wild Horses of Sable Island.® For over 30 years, Dutesco has documented The Wild Horses of Sable Island.® capturing the beauty and undisturbed freedom of the island’s 500 wild horses. His works, blending art and conservation, have been exhibited globally in the United States, Japan, France, Switzerland, Korea, and beyond. Driven by the belief that art and beauty transforms how people think about conservation, Roberto's efforts—his work, talks and charitable activities along with the Chasing Wild Horses documentary—were instrumental in bringing international awareness of Sable Island and securing official protection for its wild horses.

Dutesco’s work has been shown in galleries and museums worldwide, including the Embassy of Canada’s Gallery in Washington, D.C. and at the 2005 World Expo in Japan in The United States Pavilion, and his images are part of prominent private collections across the globe. Dutesco’s artistry and conservation efforts have earned him numerous accolades, cementing his place as a leading figure in contemporary photography.

IAMWILD FOUNDATION Roberto Dutesco’s most famous body of work revolves around The Wild Horses of Sable Island,® a remote island off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. These wild horses, who have lived in isolation for centuries, serve as a central theme in Dutesco’s photography. Over the course of more than a decade, he dedicated himself to documenting the horses’ lives, capturing them in stunning, ethereal photographs that evoke a sense of freedom and untamed beauty. Dutesco’s work on Sable Island is not just about capturing these remarkable creatures; it’s about showcasing their connection to the wild, isolated environment and drawing attention to the importance of preserving such natural landscapes.

In 2015 Roberto Dutesco founded IAMWILD,® a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the preservation of wild places and the creatures that inhabit them. The organization focuses on raising awareness about the urgent need to protect natural habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems around the world. Through IAMWILD,® Dutesco aims to inspire others to take action and recognize the importance of preserving the wild for future generations.

The organization’s work aligns with Dutesco’s mission to use his art as a vehicle for social change. IAMWILD® works to empower communities, artists, and individuals to contribute to conservation efforts and to raise awareness about environmental issues, using art, education, and outreach as key tools in its efforts.

Roberto Dutesco “NATIVES” (13/30), 1994 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen with unique hand annotations 32" x 48" $19,250

Roberto Dutesco “WESTERN RUN” (1/3), 2007 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 76" x 114" Price on request

Roberto Dutesco “LOVE” (57/90), 1994 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 40" x 60" $35,000

Roberto Dutesco “LOVE BITE” (46/90), 1994 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 40" x 60" $35,000

Roberto Dutesco “BLONDE AMBITION” (4/10), 2009 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 48" x 96" $35,000

Roberto Dutesco “PLAY” (8/30), 1994 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 26" x 39" $15,000

Roberto Dutesco “IAM” (12/25), 2009 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 50" x 76" $45,000

Roberto Dutesco “TENDERNESS” (19/30), 1994 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 32" x 48" $17,500

Roberto Dutesco “ONE” (15/90), 1994 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 40" x 60" $26,000

Roberto Dutesco “FURY” (8/30), 1994 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 26" x 39" $15,000

Roberto Dutesco “RENAISSANCE” (8/30), 1994 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 26" x 39" $15,000

Roberto Dutesco “MERLIN” (8/30), 2019 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 26" x 39" $15,000

Roberto Dutesco “PAST TO PRESENT” (13/30), 2009 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 32" x 48" $17,500

Roberto Dutesco “SHE” (8/30), 1994 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 39" x 26" $15,000

Roberto Dutesco “LION” (8/30), 1994 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen with unique hand annotations 26" x 39" $16,500

Roberto Dutesco “GENERATIONS”, 2012 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Silver gelatin print floated in a hardwood ash frame hand annotated by artist 59.87" x 75.50" Price on request

Roberto Dutesco “MOMENTS”, 1994-2024 Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada Silver gelatin print with gold leaf and hand annotations 70" x 54" Price on request

Roberto Dutesco “TRINITY” (6/25), 1998 Dumont Dunes, California Photograph UV printed on French linen 30" x 40" $13,500

Roberto Dutesco “SANDWAVES” (6/25), 1998 Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado Photograph UV printed on French linen 30" x 40" $13,500

Roberto Dutesco "TRANSPARENT PINK" (6/25), 1996 Montreal, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 30" x 40" $13,500

Roberto Dutesco "RED HOT" (6/25), 1996 Montreal, Canada Photograph UV printed on French linen 30" x 40" $13,500

BOB GRUEN American, b. 1945

Bob Gruen is one of the most well-known and respected photographers in rock and roll. By the mid 1970s, he was already regarded as one of the foremost documenters of the scene. While living in New York, he notably befriended John Lennon and Yoko Ono and captured intimate moments from their personal lives. Gruen is perhaps best known for an iconic photograph of Lennon wearing a New York City t-shirt. He also photographed major acts such as Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Kiss, and others, while also covering the emerging New Wave and Punk bands including The New York Dolls, Patti Smith, The Clash, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, and Blondie. Among his many books of photographs are "The Sex Pistols - Chaos," "The Rolling Stones Crossfire Hurricane,""The Clash," "John Lennon - The New York Years," and "Rock Seen." Gruen’s work has been exhibited widely, including at the Brooklyn Museum, Pearlstein Gallery at the Drexel University Museum, Blender Gallery in Sydney, and the Beit Hatfutsot Museum in Tel Aviv, among others.

Bob Gruen Tina Turner, Honka Monka Club, NYC (9/75), 1970 B&W silver gelatin fiber base photo print 40" x 30" $5,500

Bob Gruen Prince, Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY (5/75), 1985 B&W silver gelatin fiber base photo print 40" x 30" $5,500

Bob Gruen Debbie Harry, NYC (5/150), 1977 B&W silver gelatin fiber base photo print 20" x 24" $2,800

Bob Gruen John Lennon, Contact Sheet, NYC (120/250), 1974 B&W silver gelatin fiber base photo print 24" x 20" $3,300

Bob Gruen Bob Marley, Beacon Theatre, NYC (8/150), 1976 LVH color “C” print 20" x 24" $3,300

Bob Gruen Willie Nelson, Radio City Music Hall, NYC (6/150), 1984 LVH color “C” print 20" x 24" $3,300

Bob Gruen Led Zeppelin, NYC, 1973 (31/50), 2014 Led Zeppelin, NYC, 1973 38.37" x 47.87" $6,500

Bob Gruen John Lennon, NYC, 1974 (40/50), 2014 Silkscreen on 2ply Rising Museum Board 54" x 40" $6,500

Bob Gruen Keith Richards, NYC, 1972 (29/50), 2014 Silkscreen on 2ply Rising Museum Board 50" x 40" $6,500

Bob Gruen Mick Jagger, NYC, 1972 (36/50), 2014 Silkscreen on 2ply Rising Museum Board 52.87" x 39.37" $6,500

Bob Gruen Debbie Harry, NYC, 1977 (34/50), 2014 Silkscreen on 2ply Rising Museum Board 54" x 40" $6,500

Bob Gruen Debbie Harry, Max's Kansas City, NYC, 1976 (20/25), 2018 Silkscreen on canvas with diamond dust 25" x 18" $4,000

Bob Gruen John Lennon, Statue of Liberty, NYC (145/200), 2021 Silkscreen and mixed media on 290 gram Coventry Rag paper 17" x 23" $1,200

TODD MURPHY American, b. 1962

Todd Murphy is an American artist whose large-scale paintings, digital prints, and sculptures explore images of flora, fauna, and bodily forms. Murphy's practice encompasses American history, slavery, architecture, and contemporary art.

Drawing inspiration from the work of artists like Anselm Kiefer, his paintings explore the gothic sensibilities which haunt his imagination. Born in 1962 in Chicago, IL, Murphy moved to rural Georgia as a child, absorbing the landscape and culture. He later attended the University of Georgia, and currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. “The aesthetics of New York play into my art to some extent. It’s so rich with history and with layers that you can literally see different eras happening concurrently,” he’s said of the city. “Stories accumulate as materials, which, when you think about it, is another way to phrase 'art’.” His works are in the collections of the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Todd Murphy Garden Stag (AP/5), 2019 Triptych, composite photograph, UV printed aluminum (dibond) 72" x 156" Price on request

Todd Murphy Flower Branch Stag (2/10), 2018 UV printed plexi, archival pigment print, rag paper, multilayer-double sided printing process 40" x 30" $20,000

Todd Murphy Penelope (Palm) (2/10), 2013 UV printed plexi, archival pigment print, rag paper, multilayer-double sided printing process 40" x 30" $20,000

GREG DAVIS American, b. 1969

Greg Davis is a published and contributing photographer for National Geographic/Disney and was represented by the National Geographic Image Collection for over a decade. Over two hundred of his works can still be found in the archives at National Geographic. Davis’ work was recently published in National Geographic photo books, “America the Beautiful”, “Destinations of a Lifetime” and “Women: The National Geographic Image Collection”, which also has a worldwide traveling exhibition, “Women: A Century of Change”, that features some of Davis’ work. In 2017 he was honored as the Ambassador of the Year for Austin based nonprofit, Well Aware, the first time they had ever awarded this recognition. Well Aware funds and implements sustainable clean water systems that drive development and empower communities in East Africa. Davis worked his way from local festivals to international exhibitions and his works now hangs in private and institutional collections worldwide. The Wittliff Collection, The Raymond James Collection and The Grace Museum are just a few of the spaces that house Davis’ collectible works.

Greg Davis Cactus and Koi, Oaxaca (28/50), 2021 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 27.50" x 24" $2,500

Greg Davis Flor de Muerto, Oaxaca, Mexico (14/50), 2021 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 30" x 45" $5,300

Greg Davis Los Zancudos, Oaxaca (11/50), 2024 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 18" x 27" $3,000

Greg Davis Emigdio the Mezcalero, Oaxaca (25/50), 2019 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 30" x 45" $5,800

Greg Davis Catrina #2, Oaxaca, Mexico (16/50), 2019 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 21.25" x 30" $2,900

Greg Davis Reina Catrina, Oaxaca, Mexico (28/50), 2019 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 18" x 27" $2,900

Greg Davis In the Blue Mist, China (27/100), 2011 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 33.25" x 48.75" $4,900

Greg Davis Enveloped in Blue, Morocco (28/100), 2014 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 18" x 27" $2,500

Greg Davis Reflections at Qeswachaka Peru (22/50), 2016 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 30" x 45" $4,900

Greg Davis Muse of a Chimbu, Papua New Guinea (29/100), 2009 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 18" x 27" $2,500

Greg Davis The Wigman, Papua New Guinea (28/100), 2009 Archival pigment print on museum rag paper 18" x 27" $2,500

HUNTER BARNES American, b. 1977

Hunter Barnes is a documentary photographer whose work captures aspects of culture and communities ignored by the mainstream and often misrepresented in the modern American narrative. Barnes trained in photochemistry and traditional photographic techniques. At a young age, he began a nomadic life on the road. In his early twenties, Barnes published his first book documenting the dying communities of the Old West. Other projects followed: four years spent with the Ni Mii Puu, Nez Perce Tribe; months with a serpent handling congregation in the Appalachian Mountains; bikers, lowriders, and street gangs; inmates in California State Prison.

Intense, true pockets and subcultures of America. The process is an integral part of Barnes' work. He shoots exclusively on film—the pace of analogue in harmony with his approach. Fundamental to Hunter’s work is the journey, the people, the place.

Then committing them to film before they are greatly changed or gone forever.

Hunter Barnes A Prayer For Gods’ Will, 2012 (3/4), 2016 Fiber based, hand printed, silver gelatin photograph 23.75" x 19.87" $8,750

Hunter Barnes Israel, 2002 (2/4), 2016 Fiber based, hand printed, silver gelatin photograph 24" x 20" $10,350

Hunter Barnes Lemon Love, 1999 (AP/1), 2009 Fiber based, hand printed, silver gelatin photograph 13.87" x 10.87" $5,750

Hunter Barnes Ben and Estelle, 2000 (AP/1), 2023 Fiber based, hand printed, silver gelatin photograph 24" x 19.87" $13,050

RAPHAEL MAZZUCCO Canadian, b. 1983

Raphael Mazzucco travels the world, shooting fashion, advertising, and celebrity portraits for leading brands, businesses, and magazines. He has shot bikini-clad models for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue; celebrities ranging from Adrien Brody to Olivia Newton-John for a book project; and fashion spreads for publications including Vogue and Marie Claire. Though his schedule is constantly full of such commissions, he also finds time to pursue his own projects.

Like his commercial work, his personal work is based on photography and centered upon gorgeous women. He begins with photographs of women in all manner of dress and undress, captured in the midst of action or still and posing. Over these images, Mazzucco paints, sketches, and splashes colorful pigment, creating an exuberant overlay of marks and brushstrokes in celebration of beauty and expression.

Raphael Mazzucco Simone, 2017 Mixed media and photography encased in resin 40" x 60" $25,000

Raphael Mazzucco After Time, 2018 Wood transfer print, photo collage, acrylic, and found objects encased in resin 60" x 40" $25,000

Raphael Mazzucco Tree, 2016 Archival print, ink, and acrylic paint encased in resin 60" x 40" $25,000

Raphael Mazzucco Three Women Being One (Green), 2014 Archival print on canvas, encased in resin 30" x 40" $15,000

Raphael Mazzucco Yellow Forest, 2018 Archival C print, acrylic paint, ink, and pigment encased in resin 57" x 38" $25,000

Raphael Mazzucco One Morning, 2014 Archival print, ink, acrylic paint, encased in resin 24" x 36" $12,500

Raphael Mazzucco Sedona, 2016 Archival print on canvas with acrylic encased in resin 40" x 60" $25,000

Raphael Mazzucco Adriana, 2017 Archival pigment print, acrylic paint, and ink encased in resin 43.25" x 33.25" $18,000

Raphael Mazzucco Lavender Girl, 2016 Archival print, ink and acrylic paint encased in resin 36" x 24" $12,500

Raphael Mazzucco Morning, 2015 Archival print, acrylic paint, and ink 36" x 24" $5,000

Raphael Mazzucco Untitled (from Gaia collection), 2019 Digital pigment 26.75" x 40" $1,500

West Chelsea Contemporary is much more than the typical gallery. Offering worldclass art in a dynamic, interactive setting. WCC produces museum-quality exhibitions year-round with programming that is free and open to the public.

West Chelsea Contemporary’s collection includes artists influential to Pop Art, Street Art, Graffiti, Post-Graffiti and contemporary art as well as tastemakers of these movements. With a local, national, and international roster of represented artists, West Chelsea Contemporary situates artwork from the primary market alongside a highly curated selection of pieces from the secondary market. This novel display of represented, emerging and mid-career artists alongside Blue Chip masters increases each artist’s exposure and serves to make connections between their work.

1009 West 6th Street #120 Austin, TX 78703 Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 12 - 6pm 512.478.4440 sales@wcc.art wcc.art @wcc.art