Exterior of John Jovino Gun Shop with signage advertising police equipment, firearm accessories, and used guns, located at 183 Grand Street in New York City.

I first visited New York City in 1995 and have returned many times over the years.

In the early 2000s, I lived and worked in New York City for over a decade as a Fashion Photographer and Executive Producer. Mostly in that time, I lived in downtown Manhattan in a number of converted warehouse lofts on the Bowery. It was right near Chinatown, what’s left of Little Italy and within minutes to SoHo and The Lower East Side.

The area has such a rich cultural history it was difficult not to have been inspired by those gritty chaotic streets, that have been home to icons of music, literature, art and fashion.

This series of paintings is inspired from my experiences of a decade “living on the Bowery”.

Available Artwork >>

A man wearing large sunglasses and a head covering taking a selfie with buildings in the background.

‘BOWERY DAYS’

Woman in pink lace lingerie standing against a white wall.

COLLECTION

Kendall Jenner in high heels and black clothing is posing near a window with sheer curtains, while photographer Gavin Rea stand nearby in a room with wooden floors and plain walls. The scene appears to be a photo shoot.

A street scene with people gathered around a traditional Chinese dragon dance, with a dragon costume being held and manipulated by performers. The background features multi-story buildings with signs, hanging decorations, and a somewhat busy urban street environment.

Photograph of a woman on the left leaning forward with one hand on her head, dressed in black pants and a sleeveless top, in black-and-white. On the right, a woman wearing sunglasses, a black cropped top, and a vest, is jumping against a concrete wall with her legs spread and arms raised, in color.

The Ramones band members in leather jackets and casual jeans standing against a rough brick wall.

Skyline of New York City with the Empire State Building illuminated, surrounded by other skyscrapers and buildings at sunset. Photo by Gavin Rea

Black and white photo of a woman lying on the ground, resting her head on her hand, with shadows cast from a wire fence across her face and body. Photo by Gavin Rea

Michael Bailey Gates with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a sleeveless denim jacket, in a pose with one hand touching their neck, showing rings on their fingers and a tattoo on their upper arm. Photo by Gavin Rea

A woman lying on her side on a bed, wearing black lace lingerie, with her head resting on her arm and looking at the camera. Photo by Gavin Rea

A wall with six framed black-and-white and color photographs of fashion models and a woman, displayed in a 2-by-3 grid. Photos by Gavin Rea

Photography GAVIN REA

Kendall Jenner standing against a white wall, wearing a white sleeveless top tied at the waist, denim shorts, and red high-heeled sandals. She has dark hair and is posing with one hand on her head and the other on her hip. Photo by Gavon Rea

A drum set on display in a store window with a sign reading 'Marky Ramone NY.C' and a more detailed sign 'Marky Ramone Drum Kit.' The drum kit has a silver finish and features a graphic of a rooster. Behind the drums, there's a poster of a band with five members holding guitars.

Woman walking on city sidewalk wearing a black beanie with "BONE ME" text, black jacket with skeleton design and "WHATEVER" written on the back, black pants, and black shoes.

Pink book titled 'Models I Met and Liked' positioned on top of scattered fashion photographs and magazine pages.

A young Miranda Kerr and fashion photographer Gavin Rea, smiling and hugging in an indoor setting in NYC.

Multiple yellow taxis parked along a crosswalk on a city street at night.

Black and white photo of a wall covered in various graffiti, stickers, and posters. Some graffiti appears to be spray-painted tags, while other areas have layered stickers and torn posters.

Australian model, Sarah Stephens and fashion photographer Gavin Rea, are sitting at a table with tropical cocktails, inside a tiki bar in Brooklyn with framed pictures on the wall.

AN EXCLUSIVE PAINTING SERIES

A collection of printed photos featuring women in various poses, some in black and white and others in color, scattered on a tiled floor.

A young Miranda Kerr with long brown hair poses outdoors against a clear blue sky, wearing a sleeveless beige top, suspenders, and distressed jeans. Photo by Gavin Rea

Rooftop view with urban buildings, a chair, a wire basket, and ventilation pipes in city skyline.

A city street scene featuring a large black-and-white Calvin Klein advertisement with a woman in black lingerie, a yellow taxi cab, pedestrians crossing the street, and surrounding buildings.

A woman with blonde hair wearing a ripped denim jacket and matching ripped jeans, posing against a plain wall.

‘BOWERY DAYS’

A DECADE LIVING DOWNTOWN

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gavin@gavinrea.com