Thinking of ’70s L.A. now probably brings to mind the golden days of Laurel Canyon, antics on the Sunset Strip, or maybe a few New Age cults. But a new group show at Joseph Bellows Gallery peels away some of those layers of nostalgia to show images of how the region looked to photographers as they lived it.
Photographs courtesy of the artist and Joseph Bellows Gallery
Work in the show comes from photographers Bevan Davies, Philip Melnick, John Humble, Grant Mudford, Terry Wild, and Ave Pildas. The images selected from each artist capture small moments of how the city looked at the time. Some of the locations are still recognizable now, others have evolved more visibly in the ensuing decades.
Photographs courtesy of the artist and Joseph Bellows Gallery
Photograph courtesy of the artist and Joseph Bellows Gallery
The images are tied together by approach as well as subject matter. Rather than following the conventions of fine art photography of the era, the images in Los Angeles Circa 1970s are often more akin to photojournalism, capturing the occasionally gritty or imperfect moments.
Photographs courtesy of the artist and Joseph Bellows Gallery
Also on display at Joseph Bellows Gallery is a collection of photography by Susan Ressler focusing specifically on corporate office interiors in the 1970s, but the photos in this show are primarily exterior scenes.
Photographs courtesy of the artist and Joseph Bellows Gallery
Los Angeles Circa 1970s will be up until November 30, 2018 at Joseph Bellows Gallery, 7661 Girard Ave., La Jolla.
Photographs courtesy of the artist and Joseph Bellows Gallery
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