crazy for klinko

Celeb photographer of Beyoncé, Bowie, and other superstars showcases iconic works in can't-miss Houston gallery event

Remember that dazzling pic of a shimmering Beyoncé on the cover of her Dangerously in Love debut album? How about the siren, Poison Ivy-esque photo of Britney Spears in The Forest? Or David Bowie taking a snarling wolf for a walk?

All those images were captured by Swiss photographer Markus Klinko, the modern version of iconic celebrity photographers Herb Ritts and Annie Leibovitz. The star Swiss shutterbug is the center of a new show — appropriately titled "ICONS KLINKO" — running now through March 25 at Nicole Longnecker Gallery (1440 Greengrass Dr.). The gallery is hosting a special opening reception at 4 pm Saturday, February 4.

Consider the roster of Klinko subjects: Beyoncé, Bowie, Britney, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Naomi Campbell, and Iman. The award-winning, internationally renowned Klinko has shot for power publications Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, and Interview.

Speaking of power players, Lancôme, L'Oréal Paris, Nike, Hugo Boss, Anna Sui, Pepsi, Skyy Vodka, and Remy Martin are just a few of the globab brands who've employed Klinko to craft advertising campaigns.

But it's not all glitz and glam for Klinko. The good-hearted photog's fundraising campaign, "Keep A Child Alive," raised more than $1 million for children fighting AIDS in a mere three days.

“Markus Klinko has single-handily defined a modern fashion photography style which captures the power of his subjects,” said gallery owner Nicole Longnecker, in a statement. “The depth of the photographs invite the viewer to jump in with a wonderful iridescent quality that is both painterly and narrative."

By the way, that iconic shot of Queen Bey? Our Houston queen is sporting Klinko's jeans in the photo. Queen Bey's mom, the estimable Tina Knowles, opted for a red-carpet-type gown. Klinko advised jeans instead, but when he realized there were none on set for the star, he doffed his Dolce & Gabbama denim and handed them to Beyoncé. The result: an image for the ages.

$Beyonc\u00e9 Dangerously in Love Markus Klinko$

Photo by Markus Klinko/courtesy of Nicole Longnecker Gallery

Klinko captured Queen Bey in his own jeans for this iconic shot.

taking center stage

Stage adaptation of iconic Black movie Jason's Lyric to debut in Houston

Courtesy of Jason's Lyric

Most of the movie's cast will appear in the play.

Next year, Houston writer/producer/director/promoter Je’Caryous Johnson will be bringing another beloved Black movie to the live stage.

Jason’s Lyric will join New Jack City and Set It Off in the lineup of ‘90s Black-movie favorites that Johnson has adapted for the stage. The 1994 made-in-Houston drama stars Allen Payne and a pre-Will Smith Jada Pinkett as young lovers trying to maintain a relationship as conflicts and obstacles keep getting in the way.

Jason’s Lyric Live will go on a nationwide, 22-city tour, premiering right here in H-Town on Thursday, February 13 — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

“Houston is my home, and bringing Jason’s Lyric Live to life here first is my way of paying homage to the city and its people who inspired this story,” Johnson said in a statement. “This is more than a play; it’s a love letter to the community.”

Payne will reprise his role as Jason, with actress/model Eva Marcille stepping in Pinkett’s role as Lyric. Naughty by Nature rapper Treach, who played Lyric’s criminal big brother Alonzo in the movie, will also return to the role for the stage production. Tyrin Turner (Menace II Society), K. Michelle (Love & Hip Hop), and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Welcome Back, Kotter) will round out the cast.

"Jason’s Lyric is one of the films that defined my career as an actor,” Payne said. “To bring it to life on stage for audiences who loved the movie — and a new generation experiencing it for the first time — is an incredible honor."

Marcille is also psyched for the show, taking on the role that Pinkett memorably brought to life. "Lyric is a character who embodies resilience and hope, and I’m honored to bring her story to life on stage,” Marcille said.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, December 13, at 10 am. For a full list of dates and ticket information, visit the website.