War Photography at the Annenberg

The Annenberg Space For Photography is ending its exhibit entitled War/Photography: Images of Armed Conflict and Its Aftermath this week (closes June 2).  On display are over 170 photos from the 19th century through current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The prints include images of battle, daily life, the consequences of war, impact on soldiers as well as civilians, and what happens when the fighting ends. It is a moving and elegiac documentation of human conflict and its destruction.

The best part of the exhibit is the documentary displayed on two large screens at the center of the space.  In the film, photographers discuss their experiences and the resulting work.  One of the photographers featured is Pulitzer Prize winner Carolyn Cole, who works for the Los Angeles Times.  Over the years, she has photographed everything from the North Hollywood bank shootout to Liberia and other war torn areas of the world.  Her work is stunning in its richness and vibrancy.  She is one of many journalists featured in the documentary who continue to provide the world with up-close images and stories.

The Annenberg Space For Photography is located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles (actually in the area known as Century City, a few miles west of downtown).  There is a Thursday night lecture series, called Iris Nights, that begins at 6:30 PM.  Admission to the space is free, and discounted parking with validation is available under the building.  The entrance is on the north side off of Constellation Boulevard.  Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM.  Saturday, the space stays open to 7:30 PM.  The exhibit is closed Monday and Tuesday.

This exhibit is a great way to observe Memorial Day here in Los Angeles.