Ezra Stoller: A Photographic History of Modern American Architecture

In this powerful retrospective, Serraino (California Captured) examines the life and career of photographer Ezra Stoller, best known for his images of Modernist architecture. Though Stoller’s work remained relatively unknown to the public throughout his career, Serraino argues that Stoller was a preeminent figure in Modern architecture, whose work showed “the capacity of one man to conceive a mode of photography that is both true to the subject and reflective of the personality of the photographer.” Stoller’s images easily live up to such bold claims, showcasing his versatility and talent in a career of more than 50 years. In photos of famous buildings and landmarks such as Philip Johnson’s Glass House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, and the Lincoln Center Theater, Stoller easily breaks down the boundaries between fine art and commercial photography. From factories to churches, well-known locations to the obscure, Stoller’s photos have a timeless feel. They capture a moment in time while hinting at a bright future. Serraino argues that the key to such success lay both in Stoller’s serious work ethic and his ability to understand an architect’s intent for a building and translate it through his lens. This is the perfect volume for both fans of Modernist architecture and general photography alike. (Nov.)