Well, I didn’t make to the Kopeikin Gallery . That will be tomorrow. The days are still filled, even after the holidays.

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At the Russian Academy of Science, Russian President Vladimir Putin stands surrounded by scientists and bodyguards.
© Gerd Ludwig

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© Ghadi Khunji

But I did have a chance to catch the last gasps at the opening Farmani gallery opening for Gerd Ludwig and Ghada Khunji.

I know, I know…talk about one and go to another. That just means there is a ton of great photography to see in LA.

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Helmut Newton, American Vogue, Monte Carlo, 1998
© 2000 Helmut Newton, Monte Carlo

And thanks to the Sundance Channel, on the return home, I found a great documentary on Helmut Newton.

There are more showings coming up. Check this listing.. And if you know Helmut Newtons work, you know there will be nudity , so please be advised. There is a lot.

Shot in 2002 by a German Production company, this is a good update on the American Masters documentary form about 10 years earlier.

From the Site:
“Helmut Newton was one of the most renowned and controversial fashion photographers of the past half-century. His shocking mix of chic decadence with haute couture changed the look of glossy magazines around the world, while earning him accusations of sexism and perversity. Shortly before his death at age 83, Newton collaborated with documentary filmmaker Gero von Boehm on this humorous and revealing biographical profile. In Monte Carlo, Los Angeles and Berlin, Newton talks about his life, influences and unquenchable obsession with photography.”

And you can watch a clip from the show.

Back to the Farmani:

Mr. Ludwig work takes the front of the gallery and drifts to the rear.

Simply put, his isolation of people and events within a scene puts the viewer into his field of vision. Your eye catches the moment within. As he wanted you to.

Along with these images are some landscapes that were remarkable. My thoughts were not only the gestalt of the image, but the majesty of the scene while shooting.

But see for yourself if you can.

Ghada Khunji exhibited a series of black and white portraits that she shot in the Dominican Republic. The squalor of the environs and some interesting juxtapositions serving as backdrops to the portraits were deserving of a new talent discovery.

There is a reference to Diane Arbus, who served as her inspiration, in the background write-up. Honestly, the work stands on it’s own.

from THEIR site:
The 2006 IPA competition announced it’s top top winners at the recent Lucie Awards on October 30, 2006. Gerd Ludwig snagged the top prize of $10,000 cash provided by atEDGE and the Lucie Statue, alongside the title of IPA’s 2006 International Photographer of the Year. He won for his book entitled Broken Empire (2001), and said …”that coffee-table books are like fine wine, only getting better with years,” when accepting the statue on-stage.

Applause and cheers roared through the house when the Discovery of the Year was announced by Mike Short (Managing Director of Pilsner Urquell – Czech Republic). The cash prize of $5,000 provided by Pilsner Urquell and the Lucie Statue went to Ghada Khunji for her work in the Dominican Republic. She cites Diane Arbus as her inspiration and dedicated the statue to her late father.

On Saturday January 6, The Farmani Gallery in Los Angeles, California will bring together both photographers for an exclusive show, supported by Canon and Pilsner Urquell.

The gallery is located at 844 S. Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035.

So, why do I talk about Mr. Farmani’s gallery and the Lucie Awards he is responsible for? Because he, like few of the photography dealers I’ve met, have been working very hard to celebrate photography in many parts of the world in many ways, way past his own gallery. Gotta love that.

And thank V, for the great email. Glad you like what you see.

Cheers!
Damon webster