Studio Snapshots

Detailing not only the spaces in which Peter Halley lived and worked, these snapshots illuminate the development of Halley’s artistic vocabulary. From New Haven to New Orleans to New York, Halley evolves his practice and pulls inspiration from his various locations.

New Haven, Connecticut - New Orleans, Louisianna

Between 1971 and 1980, Halley lived in both New Haven, CT and New Orleans, LO, an undergraduate student at Yale and a masters student the University of New Orleans. His first studio at Yale is in a factory building near the campus. The next, an apartment on Carondelet Street in uptown New Orleans. The last, an apartment in the Garden District while working in an art supply store.

Hillsdale Grange no. 933, Hillsdale, New York 

In the 1980s, Halley’s studio takes temporary residence in Hillsdale, New York. Formerly the North Hillsdale Baptist Church then the Hillsdale Grange no. 933, the building was purchased in 1975 by artist John Hansegger opening the opportunity for Halley to store his paintings. In these early photographs, you can begin to see Halley’s iconic imagery taking form.

 7th Street, New York City

From 1980 to 1983, after leaving New Orleans for New York City, Halley moves into a loft at 128 East Seventh Street in the East Village. Living and working from the same space, Halley begins to make paintings using his characteristic vocabulary of prisons, cells, and conduits.

White Street, New York City

In 1983, Halley moves from the East Village to a loft on White Street in Tribeca. To mark the occasion, Halley asks photographer Mark Stern to document the change of scenery. In the following photos we see Halley outside his East Village location and then inside the following.

Franklin Street, New York City

BY 1992, Halley’s studio resides on Franklin Street in New York City.

26th Street Studio, New York City

In 1995, Halley will move his studio to the West Chelsea Building at 526 West 26th Street. This substantial open space will not only provide Halley the necessary environment to produce his work but will also be home to INDEX magazine. The bi-monthly magazine, co-founded by Halley as publisher and Robert Nickas as editor, covers independent culture. The initial designer is Laura Genninger. Halley will publish 51 Issues of INDEX between February 1996 and December 2005 and contribute over 50 interviews and articles.

As of 2024, Halley continues to operate out of this studio.