A lost art found
Gutierrez and Lopez photographic exhibit goes on display at Jose Vera gallery
By Carl Kozlowski 03/03/2011
Samuel Gutierrez was a hardworking man who shared a passion for photography with his nephew, Herminio Lopez. From the 1930s through the 1950s the pair took epic photographs of Tijuana and Tepatitlan, Mexico — giving striking depth and character to everyday life.
In fact, the photos were Gutierrez’s legacy since his wife Celia became his muse and primary model after the couple learned they could not bear children. Their work all came to an abrupt and tragic end on the night of May 1, 1958, when Gutierrez died in a car accident.
Now, more than 50 years later, the duo’s art is receiving a new life and greater interest than ever.
Victor Lopez, son of Herminio and great-nephew of Gutierrez, has restored their photos and is presenting them to the public in “The Golden Age of Mexican Photography,” starting with an opening reception Saturday and running through April 25 at the Jose Vera Fine Arts & Antiques gallery in Eagle Rock.
“What makes them stand out is it is the lost art of medium- and large-format photography, which is very skilled,” Victor Lopez says of the work of his uncle and father, who died in 1994. “Everything was really expensive and you have to know how to light it with a lighting meter. It’s like shooting a movie. I’ve taken the negatives, cleaned them up and scanned, printed and framed them.”
While the exhibit consists of 20 limited-edition prints for sale, Lopez plans a future book of 50 photographs by the duo.
“The Golden Age of Mexican Photography” runs from Saturday through April 25 at Jose Vera Fine Art & Antiques, 2012 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock. Call (323) 258-5050. Admission is free.
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