In conjunction with the unveiling of STORIES: The AIDS Monument in West Hollywood, the Herb Ritts Foundation, in partnership with Fahey/Klein Gallery and ONE Gallery, proudly presents Herb Ritts: Allies & Icons. This intimate exhibition highlights Herb Ritts’ photographs honoring activists, artists, and cultural leaders who helped shape the global response to AIDS.
ONE Gallery Herb Ritts
Allies & Icons
Herb Ritts Allies & Icons features compelling black-and-white portraits of those who stood at the forefront of AIDS activism. The exhibition includes images of Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John, Magic Johnson, Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Sharon Stone, Tina Turner, Keith Haring, and many others. Each individual used influence and challenged stigma, while encouraging compassion during a period marked by uncertainty and fear.
Additionally, co-curator David Fahey reflects on Ritts’ artistic legacy: “Herb photographed the icons of his time. The notorious, the edgy, the culturally significant. He provided a visual record of an era shaped by beauty, courage, and profound loss. He revealed vulnerability that could disarm and power that could inspire.”
The exhibition coincides with the dedication of STORIES: The AIDS Monument, created through collaboration between the City of West Hollywood and the Foundation for the AIDS Monument (FAM). Designed by artist Daniel Tobin, the Monument honors lives lost, survivors, caregivers, and communities who insisted on dignity, treatment, and remembrance.
Herb Ritts, Elton John with Top Hat, Los Angeles, 1989 © Herb Ritts Foundation; courtesy of Fahey/Klein Gallery Los Angeles
About Herb Ritts
Ritts (1952–2002) remains one of the most influential photographers of his era. He approached photography with bold clarity. He also captured both strength and vulnerability in each subject. His clean modernist style, strong contrasts, as well as sculptural compositions elevated his sitters into cultural symbols. Moreover, the exhibition reflects the Monument’s mission to remember, celebrate, and educate future generations.
Furthermore, Ritts lived with AIDS and actively supported a group of nonprofits. These organizations include: amfAR, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, Project Angel Food, APLA, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. He used his platform to replace silence with empathy, and he raised significant funds for research through publications including Duo and Notorious.
The exhibition is presented in partnership with the Herb Ritts Foundation. Additionally it aligns with the public dedication of STORIES: The AIDS Monument on November 16, 2025, at West Hollywood Park. See Sunday’s Page for info about the official grand opening and the after party at the Abbey. For more information about STORIES: The AIDS Monument, please visit: https://aidsmonument.org/
On View: November 13, 2025 – December 21, 2025
What: Herb Ritts: Allies & Icons
Where: ONE Gallery, 626 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
When: Thursday, November 13, 2025; 6-8pm
Website: one.usc.edu; https://www.faheykleingallery.com
