Theatre Unmasked: Photographic Glimpses of Ralph Lee's Work

Theatre Unmasked: Photographic Glimpses of Ralph Lee's Work

Participating Artist: Ralph Lee

Curator: Matthew Sorensen

Gallery: LES Gallery

Dates: August 9th - August 13th, 2023

Opening Reception: August 9th, 2023, 4:30-9pm

The International Puppet Fringe Festival, New York’s only international fringe festival dedicated to puppetry, returns August 9th, 2023, Organized by Teatro SEA, Grupo Morán (The Morán Group) and The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural & Education Center.

As part of the festival, IPFF presents two special exhibitions of Ralph Lee’s work featuring important art pieces from the recent exhibition at the Ballard Institute Museum of Puppetry and rare photographic records of important moments in Mr. Lee’s career.

A large portion of Lee’s work is shared by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, where Lee was artist-in-residence for many years. “For someone so accomplished, Ralph was entirely without presumption,” says the Very Rev. Patrick Malloy, PhD, Dean of the Cathedral. “He loved his craft; he loved seeing people’s delight and awe in the face of it and he loved the Cathedral. He sought the good of this great city, and in doing so, he became part of its fabric.”

This exhibition highlights a collection of stunning moments from Ralph Lee's journey through puppetry. Featuring photographs that showcase Lee's work, including shots from his 1987 Mettawee production "THE WILDMAN", some photographs donated by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, as well as images from the early years of the Village Halloween Parade and other spectacles and performances. Through Lee's puppetry, viewers are invited to explore the world of puppetry and gain a deeper understanding of the art form.