Cherry Grove Through the Lens of koitz
Cherry Grove Through the Lens of koitz is a visual chronicle of one of America's most historic LGBTQ+ communities. Over two decades, Basque-American photographer koitz has documented life in Cherry Grove and neighboring Fire Island Pines in Fire Island, capturing everything from intimate portraits and beach life to iconic community traditions and nightlife.
His work is notable for:
- Celebrating queer joy and freedom, portraying Cherry Grove as a place where LGBTQ+ people can express themselves openly.
- Documenting community traditions, especially the famous Invasion of the Pines, drag performances, parties, and seasonal gatherings.
- Blending documentary and fine-art photography, using natural light, vibrant color, and candid moments to preserve both the people and the spirit of Fire Island.
- Creating a historical archive, with many of his photographs becoming part of the Cherry Grove Archives Collection, helping preserve the cultural history of this pioneering LGBTQ+ haven.
A major milestone in his work was the 2020 publication of koitz Gay Fire Island, a photography book covering 14 years of queer life in Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines. The book was recognized by curator Elizabeth Avedon as one of the notable photography books of 2020.
The Cherry Grove Archives has also featured "koitz Art Walk", an outdoor exhibition combining large-format photographs with audio stories from residents and the photographer himself, offering visitors both visual and oral histories of the community.
Overall, koitz's photographs serve not only as striking works of art but also as an important record of LGBTQ+ culture, preserving moments of celebration, resilience, intimacy, and belonging in one of the world's most iconic queer destinations.
