The Fahey/Klein Gallery presents Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style. An opening art party was on Thursday, June 15, 2023, but don’t fret, the group exhibition will remain on view through July 29, 2023. See below for a full list of artists.
Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style
The photographs on display take the viewer through the varying ways personal style has been utilized in the expression of self-identity. These images spanning from the early 20th Century through the 21st Century. This group exhibition features (33) photographers with works honor male cultural icons. It also spotlights periods in history emblematic of men’s clothing, and figures with lasting influence on style today. In addition, Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style showcases genres and identities in culture through music, cinema, and the visual arts.
“A man must be a profound calculator to be a consummate dresser… there is no diplomacy more subtle than dress…” – Edward Bulwer-Lytton (English novelist) excerpt from the novel “Pelham.”
Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style celebrates and documents the evolution of men’s style through iconic works by some of photography’s most notable artists. It recognizes the clothing that has defined the male esthetic – reveling in images of rakish style, eccentrics, and the flamboyance of self-expression. These photographs emphasize that clothes and adornments are the reflection of the individual who dons them and makes them their own.
image courtesy of Fahey/Klein Gallery
Key Players in the Fashion Movement
The early 20th Century is synonymous with the rise of the “modern man.” Icons like Jazz musician, Dexter Gordon effortlessly combined dapper fashion with musical prowess. Therefore embodying the spirit of the time. This was illustrated in Herman Leonard’s portrait. Then the rebellious spirit of the 1950’s gave way to the greaser subculture.
Figures like James Dean, photographed by Phil Stern, with his relaxed posture and confident gaze became a symbol of rebellion. The 1960’s witnessed a revolution in numerous ways, propelled by music and cultural reckonings. For instance, Steve Schapiro’s photograph of Hippie with ‘Love’ Hat, Haight Ashbury, San Francisco is an example. This glimpse into the explosive evolution in style also gave way to playful experimentation.
Meanwhile, the punk movement of the 1970’s and 1980’s injected a rebellious energy into the collective zeitgeist. The likes of Billy Idol, captured by Janette Beckman became a pivotal focus. Idol’s leather jacket adorned with spikes soon became a symbol of nonconformity. Finally, the present day repurposes style which further defines unique idiosyncrasies – regardless of gender identity.
Artists in Fahey/Klein Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style
The Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style features photographs by Bernice Abbott, Ruven Afanador, Miles Aldridge, Janette Beckman, Tom Bianchi, Brad Branson, William Claxton, Edward S. Curtis, Greg Gorman, Bob Gruen, George Hoyningen-Huene, Billy & Hells, Paul Jasmin, Annie Leibovitz, Herman Leonard, Alexander Liberman, Herbert List, Christopher Makos, Gered Mankowitz, Terry O’Neill, Irving Penn, Herb Ritts, Steve Schapiro, Norman Seeff, Mark Seliger, Paul Solberg, Randee St. Nicholas, Phil Stern, Agnes Varda, Ellen von Unwerth, Bruce Weber, Alfred Werthimer, and Dan Winters.
CLICK HERE to find out about past exhibitions for this gallery.
On view: June 15, 2023 – July 29, 2023
What: Male Edition: The Art of Men’s Style
Where: The Fahey/Klein Gallery, 148 North La Brea Ave., LA 90036
When: Running thru July 29, 2023
Website: http://www.faheykleingallery.com
