“L.A. Backstory” Opens at Known Gallery

Ernest Holzman turns his camera–he’s an acclaimed cinematographer–on Los Angeles for “L.A. Backstory,” at Known Gallery through January while telling his own backstory:

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. 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.

Everyone has a backstory, especially in Los Angeles, even the city itself. From downtown to the Valley, using natural light, Holzman captures landmarks person and universal: Union Station, Grand Street downtown, a coffee shop, and the Circus Liquors at Burbank and Vineland Avenue and some of the locations that are re-visioned though Holzman’s eye and tasteful use of his model.

Ernest Holzman “L.A. Backstory”
January 12-26 
Known Gallery
441 N. Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90039
Open Wednesday-Saturday noon-7, Sunday noon-6