IRIS Nights Lecture Series Featuring Edward Colver – Who Shot Rock & Roll Exhibit – at The Annenberg Space for Photography – Los Angeles, CA

The Annenberg Space for Photography is hosting a great exhibit called Who Shot Rock & Roll. The exhibit features 166 prints from iconic photographers such as:  Amy Arbus, Diane Arbus, Roberta Bayley, Ed Caraeff, Stephanie Chernikowski, Danny Clinch, Anton Corbijn, Henry Diltz, Jill Furmanovsky, Godlis, Lynn Goldsmith, Jean-Paul Goude, Bob Gruen, Ross Halfin, Dennis Hopper, Richard Kern, David LaChapelle, Michael Lavine, Annie Leibovitz, Laura Levine, Gered Mankowitz, Jim Marshall, Ryan McGinley, Shawn Mortensen, Marcia Resnick, Stephane Sednaoui, Norman Seeff, Mark Seliger, Pennie Smith, Storm Thorgerson, Albert Watson, Guy Webster and the legendary Southern California Punk Rock photographer Edward Colver.

Thursday, September 6th as part of the IRIS Nights Lecture Series, Edward Colver came to the Annenburg to give a lecture on his photographs and the stories and techniques behind them. Out of the 3,000 people that tried to RSVP for the event only 250 actually got tickets and his lecture sold out in less than 5 minutes.

As I walked up to the front doors of the Annenberg, the first thing I saw covering the entrance was Covler's famous photo of Henry Rollins smashing a mirror, that was used for Black Flag's "Damaged" album. I knew I was at the right spot.

Photo by Edward Colver

Edward may not be known for his public speaking abilities, and while he may have been soft spoken, he seemed to draw the group of listeners in even closer with is mannerisms. For an hour and a half he went through a slide show of his work, including live concert shots, studio shots, his art pieces and even included really cool photos of structures. He had great stories behind most of his photos and did a great job explaining some of the DIY techniques he used to set up his shots. He came from a time when photoshop was nonexistent, everything had to be gotten IN-CAMERA. There was no instant display to show you wether your exposure was correct. At times he would shoot several different exposures, then develop them on location (in alley ways even) to find out which one was right. He switched rolls of film IN THE PIT. No auto focus.....a 35mm camera with a 50mm lens. The thought boggles the mind of faux-togs today. 

Edward especially amazed people with his account of events and the people he photographed. Dates, times, and names. These were moments and people in Punk Rock history that were immortalized on film and he "remembered those that have passed & mentioned them." He did not just photograph musicians, he photographed and was an active part in a movement.

After the lecture there was a brief Q&A and Edward stayed after to chat with fans of his work and sign album covers and his book for those who wanted an autograph. 

It was a great time for all who were lucky enough to get in! Cheers to The Annenberg Space For Photography for hosting such a cool exhibit and lecture series. The exhibit will be going on until October 7th. So if you haven't had a chance to check it out, do yourself a favor and take a trip over to do so.

For The Annenberg Webpage and more info on Who Shot Rock & Roll click HERE

To view Edward Colver's webpage or purchase his book click HERE

              More photos of the event can be seen HERE

-J.Moncrief-
Big Wheel Staff Journalist

 

 

 

 

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