November 10 - December 1, 2007
Opening Reception Saturday November 10, 7-10pm
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.
Urban Artifax will open with a reception Saturday, November 10th from
7 pm -10 pm and will be on display through December 1st, 2007.
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.
