In the show Cool and Hot we will see beneath the iconic images an analytic view of the systematic approach Julius Shulman used when he translated the three-dimensional art of architecture into the two-dimensional art of photography. Not only was he able to set the standards for modern architectural photography, and collaborate with the most brilliant architects of these important decades; he invented a style never seen before.

Cool and Hot presents Cool in the reduced settings of the California Style, which reflected the American way of life – during a period of unlimited economic growth. This Coolness found its expression in the way he integrated people or their belongings into his photographs. Conversely it affects the Hot in the viewers and thus creates the desire to follow these congenial translated dreams of life. Hot describes the reactions, which are caused by his images. It is this perception which leaves us admiring the beauty of architecture and photography, while evoking the deep desire to be part of the scenery and thus to take part in the Great American Dream. This momentum in his work is outstanding, rare, and is an inseparable part of his art.

Cool and Hot combines the iconic images of the 40´s, 50´s, and 60´s, with the last decade of his work done in partnership with Juergen Nogai. Most people did not realize that Shulman was collaborating intensively with Juergen Nogai, a Santa Monica based architectural photographer. It is to Juergen Nogai’s credit that through this very real partnership, they were able to transform and capture the dreamlike architecture in beautifully believable images.

Julius Shulman: Cool and Hot, Photographies by Julius Shulman and Julius Shulman/Jürgen Nogai, October 17th – February 27th, at ZEPHYR | Raum für Fotografie ^[1], Mannheim Germany