Steve Parke - Prince Black, White, Color

Join the Orange Community Arts Guild for an extraordinary evening celebrating the life and legacy of a global icon. We are proud to present the official book release and exhibition for "Prince: Black, White, Color" by award-winning photographer and art director Steve Parke.

Having worked as Prince’s in-house art director at Paisley Park for 13 years, Steve Parke held a position of unique trust, capturing the "Visionary" in moments the public rarely saw. This event marks the 10th anniversary of Prince’s passing with a stunning visual chronicle that reveals the artist as never before.

The book "Prince: Black, White, Color" by Steve Parke is a significant visual tribute scheduled for release in April 2026 to mark the 10th anniversary of Prince’s passing.

As Prince’s former in-house art director at Paisley Park for 13 years, Parke had a level of access few photographers ever achieved. This book is a curated collection of that work, moving beyond his stage persona to show the "Visionary" in rare, private moments.

Key Highlights of the Book

• Intimate Subject Matter: The collection includes shots of Prince at his home in Marbella, Spain, working in the recording studio, and quiet moments with his first wife, Mayte Garcia, and their dog, Mia.
• Visual Scale: The standard edition features over 250 images, many of which are being published for the first time. The photography is a mix of 83 color and 187 black and white plates.
• Historical Context: It includes poignant photos like those taken at the Paisley Park playground, which was originally intended for Prince and Mayte’s child. Parke notes how Prince’s demeanor shifted to a more somber tone during that specific shoot.
• Authentic Perspective: Because Parke was an employee and friend, the photos often capture Prince barefoot or in casual settings, offering a stark contrast to his highly polished public image.

About the Author

Steve Parke is an award-winning photographer and designer. During his 13-year tenure at Paisley Park, he did everything from designing album covers (like Graffiti Bridge and Emancipation) to hand-painting Prince's guitars. He previously authored the well-regarded book Picturing Prince: An Intimate Portrait in 2017.