Transcending the Frame — Architectural Photographers Julius Shulman and Juergen Nogai
In Built Upon Love: Architectural Longing After Ethics and Aesthetics (MIT Press), architectural historian Alberto Perez-Gomez puts forward the enticing idea that “true architecture is concerned with far more than fashionable form, affordable homes, and sustainable development.” The architecture he speaks of responds to the aspiration for an eloquent place to live. Julius Shulman’s magnificent oeuvre of photography maintains that the impression of order resonant with the occupant’s dreams is well within the domain of such architecture. A sublime lucidity anchors the compositions of spaces photographed by Shulman. Even at 98, he remained a paragon of California Cool. Though laid-back, his mastery over the medium was palpable. An exemplary eight-decade career elevated his work to iconic status and him to legend. Shulman transcended the frame by perfectly representing that invisible quality of carefree glamour, so eagerly sought throughout the world, despite its ephemeral nature.
Just weeks before Julius Shulman’s passing from this world, Fabrik had the privilege of accompanying textile designer and family friend Alexandra Becket for an interview, at his Laurel Canyon residence and studio. Designed for him in 1949 by noted Modernist architect Raphael Soriano, it is now designated an architecturally significant structure, due to its being the only remaining unaltered steel frame house built by Soriano. Last year, as a cloth-bound limited edition of 1000, Nazraeli Press published by Shulman and Soriano, Julius Shulman: The Building of My Home and Studio. Still embodying his desire to narrate the beauty and livability of modern architecture, Shulman elegantly demonstrated the harmony of his own intentionally balanced environment. Although his photographs reflect what most pursue within the California dream: that intoxicating blend of ambition, success and glamour, his life and career appear the result of an incredible consistency of vision. Continue…
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The Los Angeles art community has long been a global beacon for fine arts photography- from its stalwart art fair Photo LA through to an assortment of iconic galleries. A new venue, less bound to the rigors of commerce and with a more philanthropic premise, The Annenberg Space for Photography, offers an innovative cultural destination [...]
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A native of the San Francisco Bay area, Mark graduated from Stanford University and lived in Spain and Brazil prior to making his move to Los Angeles. His commercial work blends lifestyle, fashion, travel and portraiture creating what Mark calls “stylized reportage.” Mark’s fine art work explores beauty in chaos, capturing real life in the [...]
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Steven Vote is an internationally recognized Australian photographer. Now, after almost 20 years of working in advertising and editorial photography, Steven’s fine art work is coming to the surface. While living in New York City, Steven saw a unique charm in taxis. The yellow cab in its own modest way provides an almost soothing rhythm [...]
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Fashion by Los Angeles Designers
Photography by Anyes Galleani
Featuring model Ania Altit and actor Charles F. Porter
Hair & make-up by Nancy Jambazian
Styling by Paula Tabalipa