Critically-acclaimed cinematographer Ernest Holzman has created a series of 25 works that breathe fresh life into and offer a new look at some of Los Angeles’ more familiar sites. “Ernest Holzman, L.A. Backstory,” opening January 12  and running through January 26 at Known Gallery is more than just a series of nudes.

A collection of guerrilla style, one-of-a kind photographs, “L.A. Backstory” is Holzman’s response to his on-going treatments for cancer. In his own words:

In February 2012,  I was two months from having a PET scan as part of my ongoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This particular scan was significant because it would indicate if the chemotherapy had worked or if I needed more medicine…possibly even a bone marrow transplant.  I suddenly had a serious passion to do some work.

I wanted to feel like a teenager again when I felt completely invulnerable.  And I wanted to have an adventure.

So I decided to photograph a nude woman on the streets of Los Angeles.  Without permits.  Guerrilla style.

We went to special locations I had come to love over the years and made pictures when the light was right.  A 60-year-old photographer and a 60-year-old 4×5 view camera which only captured one film image at a time.

I shot Carly mostly from the back and watched her as she looked ahead…perhaps seeing into the future.

This is the genesis of the work on these walls.

L.A. Backstory