A Night with Julian Wasser: "L.A. Confidential" at Morrison Hotel Gallery
On Thursday, November 7th, 2024, the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood played host to a special opening reception exhibition titled Julian Wasser: L.A. Confidential, presented by Morrison Hotel Gallery. The exhibition is a celebration of Julian Wasser’s illustrious career as one of the most iconic photographers of the 20th century. Known for his candid, intimate shots of Hollywood’s elite, Wasser’s images offer a rare glimpse into the glamour, grit, and humanity of Los Angeles during its golden age. The exhibit features a stunning array of portraits and behind-the-scenes moments from his career. As I walked through the gallery, each photograph felt like a time machine, transporting me straight to the heart of the L.A. scene in the 1960s and '70s.
Standout Moments:
Among the many striking images on display, a few stood out to me for their rawness and energy. The first was a candid close-up of Marilyn Monroe at the 1962 Golden Globe Awards. The actress is captured mid-applause, her hands lifted in graceful motion, as if caught in a spontaneous moment of admiration. The image exudes a sense of effortless charm, with Monroe's expression both joyful and natural, as though she’s simply reacting to the moment around her.
In this striking candid shot of Steve McQueen, the actor is captured in a moment of cool detachment, wearing dark sunglasses and exhaling a plume of cigarette smoke. The image perfectly embodies McQueen's effortless charisma, with his intense gaze partially obscured by the shades, adding an air of mystery to his already iconic rebellious persona. The smoke swirling around him adds to the sense of quiet intensity, enhancing the raw, untamed energy that McQueen often exuded both on and off the screen. The simplicity of the moment, paired with his unmistakable style, captures the essence of McQueen as the ultimate anti-hero of 1960s cinema.
In this playful and layered candid photograph, the viewer is presented with a fascinating moment of meta-photography: Andy Warhol, the quintessential pop artist, is seen taking a photo of Deborah Harry, the iconic lead singer of Blondie. In the foreground, Wasser himself captures this exchange, creating a visual loop of artists and subjects. Warhol, ever the enigmatic figure, is focused through the lens, while Harry strikes a relaxed pose, her platinum blonde hair framing her face in a subtle nod to her rock-and-roll persona. The photograph stands as both a document of the moment and a commentary on the intersection of fame, art, and photography itself.
The Evening and the Guests:
The opening night was a star-studded affair with several notable guests in attendance, including Alison Martino of Vintage Los Angeles, legendary DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, Chris Carter of Dramarama, writer Larry Karaszewski and Julian Wasser’s daughter, Alexi Wasser. Their presence added an extra layer of excitement to the evening, with many sharing stories and memories of Wasser’s work over the years.
If you haven’t seen the exhibition yet, there’s still time to take it in. The exhibit is open until November 21st, 2024, and a select collection of Wasser’s most iconic images are also available for viewing and purchase online at MorrisonHotelGallery.com. Julian Wasser’s L.A. Confidential is a must-see for anyone who appreciates both the art of photography and the cultural history of Los Angeles. His images transcend time, offering us an intimate view of the stars who shaped the world of film, music, and fashion during an unforgettable era.
Restarting a Journey: "Strut & Soul" at Chingona Drag Brunch
Melissa Befierce
This past Sunday, I found myself in an environment that felt both familiar and foreign—surrounded by the vibrant energy of drag performers at Chingona Drag Brunch, hosted by the incredible Melissa Befierce. It was more than just an event for me; it marked the first day of a restart for a project close to my heart, one I began two years ago called Drag in Monochrome.
Melissa Befierce & Godoy
My journey into photography actually started with drag. A performer I used to know needed some photos, and what began as a simple favor for a friend turned into a full-fledged project. I practiced my craft on their friends, and eventually, Drag in Monochrome was born—a collection of black and white images capturing the essence of drag performance. The stark contrast and simplicity of monochrome allowed me to explore the raw emotions and artistry behind the makeup and costumes. You can read more about that project in an article featured on Reckless Magazine here.
Mayday
But as my skills have evolved over the last two years, so has my vision. This new iteration of the project, now called Strut & Soul, brings color into the mix. Drag is vibrant, bold, and full of life, and color feels like the right medium to highlight the richness of these performances and the performers’ personalities. Where this project will lead, I’m not entirely sure yet—maybe a photo exhibit, maybe a book. I’m leaving space for the project to grow and evolve organically.
Godoy
Reentering the drag scene after spending the last year and a half immersed in shooting metal concerts was a bit of a shock to the system. It felt almost foreign, stepping back into this world after so much time focusing on a different kind of energy, one that's loud, raw, and dark in its own way. But drag is its own kind of rebellion, its own kind of performance art, and I was quickly reminded why I fell in love with it in the first place.
Moxie
The brunch itself was Halloween-themed, adding an extra layer of flair to the day. Performers like Mayday, Beetrix, Moxie, and Godoy took the stage, each bringing their unique style to the event. I found myself both behind the lens and as an observer, soaking in the atmosphere while also capturing it. It was the perfect environment to reignite my passion for this project.
Mayday & Beetrix
As Strut & Soul begins to take shape, I’m excited to see where it will lead and how it will continue to challenge and inspire me. Here's to the next chapter.
CHINGONA BRUNCH GALLERY
