Exhibitions

A Letter from Japan: The Photographs of John Swope

September 19–November 30, 2008
Main Gallery

John Swope, Arai, Ohmura Family , September 7, 1945, gelatin silver print. John Swope Collection, © John Swope Trust .

A Letter from Japan: The Photographs of John Swope is the first in-depth presentation of vintage prints from the late Los Angeles photographer’s 1945 journey through post-war Japan. Shot during a three-and-a-half-week period, Swope’s photographs vividly document the impact of World War II on the local population of Japan as well as on the Allied soldiers and prisoners of war. The exhibition also include selected highlights from Swope’s career as a renowned Hollywood photographer from the 1930s through 1970s.

A Letter from Japan: The Photographs of John Swope was organized by the Hammer Museum. The exhibition and catalogue are generously supported by Gail and Jerry Oppenheimer, with additional support from Mrs. Sidney F. Brody, The Judith Rothschild Foundation, Shirlee Fonda, and Jane Wyatt.

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Free guided tours of this exhibition will take place Saturdays at 2 pm from September 27 to November 29. Curator Carolyn Peter of the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts at the Hammer Museum will address Swope's work in the context of photographic war documentation at 5:30 pm on Friday, September 26.