Arthur Fellig (aka Weegee) — renowned for his prolific photojournalism career in ’30s/’40s New York City and those gruesome crime glory shots – had relocated to Los Angeles to shoot celebrity culture in 1947. He disdained celebrity culture, hence Marilyn Monroe and the Marilyn Monroe wannabees came out twisted and distorted.
Before moving back to “civilization” (aka NYC) in 1957, he amassed an intriguing portfolio of tabloid-tinged photography, unique in access and presentation. Very zeitgeisty and timeless stuff! Snagged from the venerable collections of the International Center of Photography and the Matthew Marks Gallery of New York, these artifacts are currently on view at the MOCA. “Naked Hollywood,” Weegee, Nov 13 – Feb 27, MOCA, Los Angeles
Checked this show out over the holidays, and it did not disappoint. Weegee was a consummate New Yorker.