FAHEY/KLEIN GALLERY | Anatomy of Devotion: Works by Günter | Blum & George Platt Lynes
Working Woman, 1991, © Günter Blum Estate, courtesy of Fahey/Klein Gallery, Los Angeles
Written By: Lauren Levesque
Anatomy of Devotion: Works by George Platt Lynes and Günter Blum will be featured at The Fahey/Klein Gallery.
The Fahey/Klein Gallery is ecstatic to present the two-person exhibition Anatomy of Devotion: Works by George Platt Lynes and Günter Blum. The photographs that these two artists captured exude intimacy, desire, and raw sexual expression between the individuals modeled. This exhibition allows the viewers to feel the intense gazes of the models and how their confidence intermingled with vulnerability shines through. George Platt Lynes is a renowned photographer known for his photographs of nude men. Lyne’s ability to highlight and draw out slight psychological nuances from his subjects permits a sense of uncertainty and darkness to the overall subject. In addition, Günter Blum is known for his provocative nude photographs of alluring, confident women. Blum can lay out meticulous detail in each moment of the images he captured and promote each model's sensuality and beauty. The exhibition will be from 6th June through 20th July 2024.
Katharina, 1991, © Günter Blum Estate, courtesy of Fahey/Klein Gallery, Los Angeles
‘Katharina’ is a testament to Blum’s creative and sultry personality. The confidence that drips off the photograph of the woman is profound. Blum can show how the model takes a commanding stance of power and fills the lens. Blum's ability to manipulate light on his subjects also permits the photograph to be enchanting. The circular light spot in the background makes the viewer feel this photograph comes from a different era, universe, or world.
Angel, 1996, © Günter Blum Estate, courtesy of Fahey/Klein Gallery, Los Angeles
On first impression, ‘Angel’ feels dark, mysterious, and haunting. The viewer can feel the simple beauty of the model, and every fabric, pose, and line feels organic. However, upon gazing further, the image has a looming undertone. The dark background and minimal lighting make the photograph feel like something is treading in its undercurrent. Blum can capture beauty and anxiety all in one image, which cements his glory as a photographer.
Charles Levaison, ca. 1930s, © George Platt Lynes, courtesy of Fahey/Klein Gallery, Los Angeles
‘Charles Levaison’ grips the viewer immediately. The model's piercing gaze is captivating, as viewers are glued to his eyes and begin to imagine what is happening inside his mind. The gentle lighting on his body pushes the intimacy theme that leaks through the photograph and captures vulnerable moments that Lynes can extract from his muse.
(Contact Sheet of Sailors), n.d, © George Platt Lynes, courtesy of Fahey/Klein Gallery, Los Angeles
‘Contact Sheet of Sailors’ is alluring, comical and sensual. The men photographed seem to fully immerse themselves into the ‘sailor’ character and all the traits that come with that. Lyne's lighting highlights and exposes different parts of the men's bodies and is critical to the exhibited mood. The fully nude man permits the viewer to assume the bold personality that he is portraying while the other men wear additional clothes. Overall, this photograph has the nuance of character and mischief.
