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!
This week I returned to Los Angeles as the all-grown-up version of myself that arrived here in early June, 2007, with two gaping suitcases mostly filled with shoes. Although anticipating a two week stay and corresponding internship, those weeks quickly turned to an entire summer-turned fall semester-turned year and a half where I never left the city and frankly, never had a reason to.
Two years in LA was the ultimate complement to the college education that I received on either end of my stay. I arrived as a photography student riddled with the dilemma of a regard for visuals disproportionally greater than my patience for cameras. Skill or ability was not a factor; this circumstance was solely determined by interest. Of course I knew how to set up and operate a camera, but how quickly I was lured from the Mark II bodies tethered to Macs when the world of art directors, stylists, beauty teams, and production designers were suddenly by my side and at my disposal to learn from. I was instantly hooked and to this day my initial excitement has only intensified with each creative pursuit.
Today seems like an appropriate occasion for introspection, as Monday, February 14th marks exactly one week since my arrival in Los Angeles. I spent all of yesterday working in the art department on a shoot at LaChapelle Studio, and today, on a considerably quieter note, I find myself recalling past experiences and at the same time, envisioning new ones. I was working for someone whose work I admire and respect tremendously and so yesterday was filled with an excitement to be learning as much as I can from her.
Below is a picture from my first week in LA. What I have lost in hair I have gained in life experience. I will never forget how it felt to enter this world at the age of twenty, nor can I articulate how it feels to return now, four years dated from my arrival, armed with the combination of my previous time spent working in LA, the completion of my college degree, and the succeeding 2 years pursuing my own creative projects in NYC. Today I feel confident, inspired, and unabashedly ecstatic to take on this crazy beautiful city.
First week in LA:
Second week in LA:
Last week in LA before returning to school:
Up next: current!
