THERE IS ONLY ONE PAUL R. WILLIAMS: A PORTRAIT BY JANNA IRELAND

Opening Reception: Saturday, 9 December 2017, 6-9 pm

Curated by Andrea Dietz and Audrey Landreth
9 December, 2017 – 11 February, 2018

Purchase Janna’s photographs here

The Julius Shulman Institute at Woodbury University is pleased to present There is Only One Paul R. Williams: A Portrait by Janna Ireland. The exhibition of photographs by up-and-coming Los Angeles based photographer, Janna Ireland, takes a new look at the built legacy of the prolific yet under-appreciated African-American architect, Paul R. Williams (February 18, 1894 – January 23, 1980). In an intimate and powerful contemplation of a range of Williams’ southern California projects, Ireland’s images provide access to the narratives latent to the creations of a long overlooked genius.

Out of a deep interest in identity and how it can be defined by and reflected in space, Ireland ‘gets to know’ Williams who, unrecognized by many, significantly shaped the city and region of Los Angeles. Over a one-year process of thoughtfully exploring the signature design elements of both Williams’ private and public spaces, Ireland has sought out the personality of one of the 20th century’s great, but only recently acknowledged, placemakers. In the details of Williams’ intricate designs, she finds him – the man who, just this year, nearly four decades after his death, was honored with the award of the AIA Gold Medal.