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