YNOT – In the adult industry, the names Bobbi Starr and Aiden Starr certainly may ring some creative bells. As AVN Award-winning artists, their creations are immediately recognizable. Now, for the first time, their graphic artwork and the work of renowned artist Chris Wessman will be on display during the Nov. 27 opening of the Starrlight Gallery in Los Angeles.
The opening exhibition is part of a memorial for AVN Award-winning director David Aaron Clark. Marking the one-year anniversary of Clark’s death, “The Starrlight Gallery: Requiem David Aaron Clark 1960-2009” will feature artwork not only by the Starrs and Wessman, but also Michael Manning, Steven Johnson Leyba, John Nystrom and Charles Pinion.
Aiden Starr, who calls herself “one of Clark’s best friends,” will present Clark’s body of work, including an original Buddhist/Día de los Muertos-inspired shrine. The exhibit also will offer the only public showing of Manning’s work commissioned by Clark, including portraits of his lovers and mistresses. Candid photos of Clark shot by Nystrom will be on display.
“I first met [Clark] — along with his partner at the time, Joanne — at a Valencia Street cafe shortly after he had moved to San Francisco,” Manning said. “I was immediately impressed by this mountain of a man who was as intelligent and well-read as he was tattooed and pierced — a gentleman pornographer in the best Wildean tradition.”
Nystrom added, “David was stubborn in a good way. His refusal to compromise whenever he was pressured to could make life miserable for the money people, but in the end resulted in something as close to art as one can achieve in this business. Not a day passes without me thinking how empty my life would have been without Dave, and how empty it is now that he’s gone.”
Bobbi Starr said the trio of gallery owners considers the opening exhibition a fitting debut for the gallery and an overdue memorial for the late artist.
“David was a great friend and one of the great talents of our industry,” she said. “Aiden, Chris and I thought the grand opening of our gallery should be held in honor of David. He was amazingly creative and passionate about creating adult entertainment that not only stimulated the libido, but the intellect as well.”
Images of Bobbie Starr (left) and Aiden Starr courtesy of Glenn Francis.
