(Seattle, WA) -- Houston is proud to present "88299" the first retrospective of British photographer Simon Larbalestier, showing from October 21st through November 28th, 1999. The artist will attend the opening reception on Thursday, October 21st, from 7-10 PM.

Simon Larbalestier is widely known for the atmospheric and textural photographs he created for the Pixies' album covers. This exhibition will present not only his work for 4AD Records but will also chronicle the last 12 years of his photographic art via hand-toned prints, websites, and a comprehensive CD-ROM. This is also the first time the original hand- bleached photographs for the Pixies' Doolittle album sleeve will be displayed.

The evolution of Larbalestier's work is made apparent through this unique multimedia exhibition. It documents a shift in subject matter, from the human subjects and objects of his earlier photographs to the spaces and landscapes of his current work. The deterioration is no longer apparent in the surface of the image, but in the subject itself. Larbalestier's new palette is minimal, graphic, and atmospheric: images of abandoned rooms, light sneaking past the door of a chapel; a ghost-like shadow tattooed on the wall is the only remnant of a previous inhabitant's crucifix; an eerie sunset light streaks through a dense forest. The series, entitled "Attracting to Emptiness" is the recording of the artist's recent physical and spiritual journeys to Italy.

In addition to the prints, the exhibition will feature contemporary displays of Larbalestier's diverse work: a CD-ROM portfolio and two websites: www.simon-larbalestier.co.uk, his personal showcase, and www.physikgarden.com, the name of his naturally evolving artist website built in collaboration with painter Michael Eldridge. Additionally, Houston has designed a website for the exhibition and is located at: www.wehaveaproblem.com.

Larbalestier will discuss, alongside collaborator Michael Eldridge, his fine art and commercial photography, various collaborations, the websites, The Physik Garden Project and CD-ROM during a lecture at the Photographic Center Northwest on Wednesday, October 20th, at 7:00 PM. $5 donation at the door.

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