This is very unlike me to post part of a series before it is complete; however, I am so excited to be working on this show about my mother and had to share just one image!
Terry Richardson’s opening at OH WOW Gallery in Los Angeles was a true celebration of photography. Perhaps inspired by this first glimpse at new work of one of the most prolific and notorious photographers, or the exclusivity maintained by a line spanning several blocks, came the consequent need to take and expedite pictures into all forms of social media as unabashed proof of attendance. Aside from the over 25 images presented in the exhibition, the gallery danced with flickering flashbulbs, flashes of iPhones, and in every moment, a woman posed before a large pair of painted lips that would seconds later be uploaded to Instagram. Right away, it was clear: just as much as the patrons came to see the pictures, they were there to be a part of them as well. Even Richardson, who interacted with the crowd the entire night, took many pictures of his own, placing eager guests in front of his giant prints.
It is no surprise that such a collection, entitled TERRYWOOD, would inspire this kind of excitement in Los Angeles. With the city as the basis of his subject matter, Richardson presents an interpretation of Hollywood that employs local landscapes and icons, from landmarks to signs to infamous characters, all shown in a way that explores the nature of the city and the idealized dreams of Hollywood. In this vein, the volume of iconic Hollywood faces showing their support (Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, James Franco, Ron Jeremy, to name a few) was equally foreseen. Their attendance could be attributed to Oscar weekend, and if so, the Oscar-from-afar but up close, Terry Richardson trophies displayed in the center of the room are all the more appropriate for the occasion.
Throughout the night, the pictures of pictures, of people taking pictures, meant an evening for Richardson not soon to be forgotten. The massive turnout and tendency of this zealous crown to condense in any area where he might be standing only strengthens the idea that this evening was every bit about seeing the art as trying to become part of it. Isn’t that what Hollywood is about anyway, finding your way into the spotlight that once lured you there to begin with?
So much fun! Look for more on the Opening Ceremony blog!
If I was buying art, I’d be buying hers.
Part one, Damien Hirst:
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View the entire online edition here: WHITEWALL MAGAZINE
Partially in order of precedence and then in many ways, in no order at all….
1. I have returned to California! I made the move on December 30th and am currently residing with my boyfriend in San Francisco as I prepare to officially relocate to Los Angeles. Goodbye, NYC, and goodbye snow blankets:
2. New Years Eve was wonderful! We went to a Sergeant Pepper’s themed costume party at the Foreign Cinema followed by an evening of dancing equipped with mini polaroid pictures of confetti and noisemakers.
3. The next few days were spent in San Diego at the Del Coronado Hotel. 
I walked on the beach every single day, and our stay was perfect— however little did I know, the night we returned to San Francisco—-
4. — I would become sick with mono! I have now been in bed for 2 weeks.
5. This bed rest has given me the opportunity to be extremely productive and I’m spending my days writing, emailing, and making plans for upcoming projects and collaborations. (and watching Madmen!) Although still in progress, an update to my website: 
6. Have you picked up the Winter edition of Whitewall Magazine? I have two articles published within, and just finished two for the next issue! Please see the previous posts for scans.
7. I’m looking for writing jobs and inquiring throughout the west coast. Also, accentuating the angle of being familiar and connected in several major cities. Mollygottschalk@gmail.com for work inquiries!
8. Currently collaborating with a certain Los Angeles director and a certain NYC musician on a music video that is going to be wonderful. Right now it is a multi-city dialogue of images and ideas that keep evolving every single day.
9. Also collaborating on a video that will bring me back temporarily to NYC in early spring. We will cast this project soon- if you are a dancer in New York, maybe you should let me know.
10. I’m working on my book! My goal is to finish writing it by the end of 2011. It is musings mixed with nonfiction. It means everything to me and I am really motivated to work on it at the moment.
11. I am shopping for a car! I’m sorry NYC, I never learned to love your subway system. I’ll miss you very much, but I miss my VW even more. I’m aiming for safety and practicality but secretly all i want is a white Jaguar, 1967 or the like. Just sayin’.
12. We are going to Coachella!! This is my first time ever and we found the most amazing house!!! These poolside daydreams are highly effective toward my recovery from mono. April really is coming very soon…
13. I have finally tackled my list of movies I’ve been intending to see for years. Send me something Italian or Brazilian or French New Wave that I haven’t seen. I dare you and I’ll love you!
14. Pen Pals take note: email me your address for handwritten correspondence!
Big x’s and o’s,
Molly
Jon Kessler:
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