|
Oriel Lucero The models in Julius Shulman's architectural photographs define the building's scale and proportion, illustrate the function of the space, humanize an otherwise austere atmosphere, sell a way of life, and market an architectural style. For example, Luckman and Pereira's General Dynamics Astronautics building demonstrates Shulman's use of unobtrusive models to help the architecture speak eloquently for itself. In another instance, the family room illustrated with Clifford May's children dancing exemplifies Shulman's use of human props as signifiers of social relationships. Likewise, the photograph of the Kaufmann epitomizes the photographer's extensive use of staging and posing; the woman reclining by the pool plays dual roles. Mrs. Kaufmann blocks the light from the pool to emphasize the house's interior glow, and she depicts a fantasy portrayal of Southern California's relaxed lifestyle that is characteristic of the post World War II era. Although Modernism was accepted by the industrial and corporate world, private residences were hesitant to embrace the style. In order to demonstrate its acceptance, Shulman included people, like the aforementioned May children and, in the photograph of Case Study House #21, Pierre Koenig, who market the architecture to the audience. The photographs glamorize Los Angeles and the new Modern architecture of spare horizontal outlines, glass, and steel. Julius Shulman increases the public's ability to relate to these buildings on a personal level. |