|
|
-
-
-
 -
|
|
- Lisa A.
Goodgame
Abstract
- Reinterpretations of Modernism
-
- The new
American architecture of the 1950s
incorporated the sleek lines, broad expanses
of glass, and steel frame construction
popularized by Europeanarchitects. Julius
Shulman, California's preeminent
architectural photographer, was instrumental
in introducing this Modern architecture to
the United States through his photography of
Southern California buildings. His extensive
body of work demonstrates his influence on
America's perception of Modern architecture.
While European Modernism appeared stark and
impersonal to many American eyes, a more
livable type of Modernism evolved in Southern
California that took advantage of the casual
lifestyle and good weather the region
offered. Shulman's photographs of these
structures, especially in the forms of the
Case Study Houses, were published worldwide,
making California's new style of Modernist
buildings famous.
- The houses
Shulman photographed were mostly glass boxes:
buildings made of plate glass and steel
frames. He emphasized the sleek lines that
arethe hallmark of the style, but he also
worked to capture the unexpected spirals that
seem incongruent with such angular forms.
Shulman had an interest in the spiral from
the early days of his career, reflected in
several photographs. In terms of techniques,
the photographer used the reflective
properties of glass to create stunning
images, such as that of the Chuey House in
Los Angeles, in which the interior of the
house is reflected in the plate glass, as
well as a reflecting pool
outside.
-
|
|