|
Exhibition extended through January 27, 2008.
This exhibition, organized by the Getty Research Institute and on view in the Getty Gallery at the Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library branch, features 150 rarely seen photographs from the Julius Shulman photography archive in the special collections of the Research Library at the Getty Research Institute.
The exhibition showcases Shulman's stunning architectural photographs, which serve as visual records of Los Angeles's dramatic evolution and document Shulman's love for Los Angeles, his home for the past 85 years.
Julius Shulman's Los Angeles features seven photographic narratives:
- the development of Bunker Hill;
- the development of Century City and its competition with Bunker Hill;
- the exotic architectural expressions of Los Angeles, such as Watts Towers, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and the Getty Villa (shown at right);
- the growth of Wilshire Boulevard;
- the industrial engines at the Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles International Airport (shown below) that powered the city's rapid growth;
- the city's diverse residential fabric from Echo Park to South L.A.; and
- Shulman's critical role in capturing and promoting innovative, sleek Case Study Houses, as well as cookie-cutter tract housing developments.
The exhibition also includes renderings of urban developments that are currently under way, allowing visitors to compare Shulman's historic photographic perspectives with images of Los Angeles's future.
The exhibition coincides with ArchiFest II, a monthlong celebration of architecture in Los Angeles, which takes place throughout October.
Born in Brooklyn on October 10, 1910, Julius Shulman grew up on a Connecticut farm and moved to Los Angeles with his family at the age of ten. Photography went from a hobby to a professional occupation for Shulman in 1936, when he was exposed to modern architecture for the first time on a visit to Richard Neutra's Kun House in the Hollywood Hills. Neutra was so impressed with the six photos of the home that Shulman sent him as a gift that he immediately hired him to photograph additional projects, thereby launching an unanticipated, prolific career.
Shulman's images promoted the work of numerous visionary architects including Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, John Lautner, and Pierre Koenig. Decades after the initial prints were created, Shulman's scenes continue to herald the beauty and functionality of modern architecture and the glamour of the California dream.
At the age of 96, Shulman maintains a rigorous work schedule and still photographs buildings throughout the country with his business partner, Juergen Nogai.
The following events take place at the Los Angeles Central Library.
The Photographer's Eye
At the age of 96, Julius Shulman is one of the few living legends to have witnessed and documented nearly the entire history of Los Angeles during the past century. More than mere works of art or images for commercial promotion, Shulman's captivating photographs now serve as critical visual records of this metropolis's dramatic evolution. Christopher James Alexander, co-curator of the exhibition, discusses the development and design of this exhibition and the significance of Shulman's work in relation to the dynamic plans currently redefining L.A.'s urban fabric.
Free; no reservations required.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 12:30 p.m.
Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium
Julius Shulman, The Photographer and His City
In this discussion presented by ALOUD at Central Library, Shulman appears in a conversation with Wim de Wit, co-curator of the exhibition. They discuss Los Angeles, the city that has been Shulman's hometown since he came here at the age of ten in 1920, and how it has been an inspiration for his numerous photographic projects.
Free; reservations strongly recommended. Reserve by phone at (213) 228-7025 or at ALOUD at Central Library's Web site, www.aloudla.org.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium
Architects' Roundtable
In this event presented by ALOUD at Central Library, architects and developers discuss the latest wave of construction of residential and commercial architecture in Los Angeles's downtown area and provide a glimpse into what the heart of our city will look like in the future.
Free; reservations strongly recommended. Reserve by phone at (213) 228-7025 or at ALOUD at Central Library's Web site, www.aloudla.org.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium
|
 |
|
