Don
Jim Urban Artifax
Extended through January 2008
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promo video
Bullets,
can openers, nails, screws, and bits of miscellaneous metal take
on human and symbolic form in the photographs of Don Jim, now
on display for the first time at drkrm. gallery. The resulting
compositions and master lighting effects take these images to
an almost iconic status. Much like an archeologist, Don prowled
the streets of L.A. during the 1960s and 70s, head down, eyes
focused on asphalt, looking for the uncommon beauty in everyday,
flattened pieces of metal.
At the heart of every image is a transmutation from commonplace
to extraordinary. A mere tar dripping is made to look ancient,
powerful, even tribal, transcending its original form and substance
into suggestive cross-cultural symbolism. The Urban Artifax series
of photographs by Don Jim glorifies common objects imbedded in
the streets of Los Angeles.
During his Hollywood career as a commercial photographer, Jim
honed his lighting skills and developed a much-respected reputation
for his ability to light and photograph shiny and reflective surfaces
such as glass, stainless steel, foil and neon. In his free time
he took this skill to the streets.
When Don Jim died late last year, he left behind a prodigious
treasure trove of photographic work. The images in this exhibition
are just a small fraction of Jim's lifetime of work. These amazing
photographs have never been seen or displayed publicly before.
These are Don Jim's gems. Photographic jewelry. Urban artifax.
The
Urban Artifax show features both black and white vintage silver
prints printed by the artist and a recently printed series of
cibachrome prints.
Don
Jim Photography Website
Drkrm. Gallery is an exhibition space dedicated to the display
and survey of popular cultural images, photo-journalism, fine
art photography, cutting edge and alternative photographic processes.
Regular gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 11 am –
5 pm.
Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm
All gallery events are free and open to the public.
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