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.