The Bright Lights of TERRYWOOD at OHWOW LA

Terry Richardson’s opening at OHWOW Gallery in LA was a celebration of photography, both for Terry and for the many who attended. Perhaps it was the fact that this was the first glimpse of Terry’s new work or maybe it was just the exclusivity of the event (maintained by a line that spanned several blocks), but as soon as Teena and I arrived, we felt the need to expedite photos onto all forms of social media, as unabashed proof that we were there!

It’s no surprise that the 25-piece show, entitled TERRYWOOD, inspired this kind of excitement in LA. With the city as his subject matter, Terry used local landscapes and icons to explore the nature of the city and the idealized dreams of Hollywood. In this vein, the volume of iconic faces showing their support on the night (Pamela, Paris, Lindsay, Franco, and Ron Jeremy, to name a few) was easily foreseen. Their attendance could also be attributed to the Oscar weekend, and if so, the Oscar-esque Terry trophies displayed in the center of the room were all the more appropriate.

Interacting with most of the crowd, Terry took many pictures of his own, placing eager guests in front of the giant prints. Judging by the plethora of flickering flashbulbs and iPhones, it was clear that patrons not only came to view the photographs, but to also be a part of them. Isn’t that what Hollywood is about anyway—finding your way into the spotlight that lured you there to begin with?

Through March 31st, 2012

OHWOW GALLERY LA
937 North La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90069
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Photography by Teena Sahebi