An inspirational exhibition that will soon be in Los Angeles! It will pay tribute to the life and work of Jun Fujita, an extraordinary photojournalist who vividly recorded the energy and ethos of Chicago in the early 1900s. We will host this exhibition in conjunction with our new photography book, Behind the Camera. This new book, written by Graham Harrison Lee, explores Fujita’s extraordinary legacy to modern photography and journalism.
Like many Japanese Americans, Jun Fujita found success as a skilled photojournalist. He is maybe best known for his legendary paparazzi-style shot of the gangster Al Capone talking with his lawyer in 1929. This equally powerful image is from the remarkable collection shared between the Chicago History Museum and Getty Images. It’s an extraordinary exhibition of Fujita’s ability to capture the zeitgeist through his lens.
The book “Behind the Camera,” published by Hat & Beard Press, delves into Fujita’s life, showcasing his journey from a Japanese immigrant to a prominent figure in Chicago’s photography scene. Graham Harrison Lee delved deeply into his research on Fujita’s legacy. In doing so, he provides readers an informative and inspiring look at the artist’s life and the obstacles he faced all his career.
The upcoming centerpiece exhibition in Los Angeles seeks to continue to establish Fujita’s legacy, showing a focused selection of his commissioned photographs. This year’s The Carrot Show will be a testament to his artistry and technical creativity. Additionally, it will feature the historical context of his work, particularly during the golden age of photojournalism.
Fujita’s photographs arrest moments of this dynamic culture and chaotic events unfolding in Chicago during the 1920s. His ability to capture candid moments and convey deep narratives through still images set him apart in an era dominated by conventional photography.
The gallery meant to celebrate Fujita’s work will debut next year. As such, it is bound to greatly interest art lovers and historians in equal measure. Visitors will be treated to an extraordinary behind-the-scenes look at the life and artistry of a man who is perhaps the most important figure in documenting the American experience.