Reading Lynell George’s recent LA Times article on Graciela Itrubide’s show at the Getty I was shocked at what this might mean for her career. Imagine images of Juchitan, Mexico and East LA gang members hanging on the marble walls of the Getty adjacent to classical Greek and Roman sculptures and across the coutyard from medieval manuscripts. Looks like the Getty read Christopher Knight’s article on how the their collection has been lagging woefully behind their stature as a world class arts institution. Hopefully this show helps the Getty’s photography department finally gain the recognition they have fought for over the past decade.
But then, my surprise turned to horror when I wondered what this meant for Iturbide’s career. As perhaps the most prominent post WWII Mexican photographer, Iturbide has been producing amazing images since studying under Manuel Alvarez Bravo. Is a show at the Getty a sign that she is no longer on the leading edge of photography? Is it an acknowledgement that she is far too mainstream?
And my horror turned to dismay when I realized that she has not had a solo show in Los Angeles – ever. How can someone with her stature be overlooked in one of her most depicted cities? Hopefully the Getty show will open our eyes to a true talent.
