Join us for this online presentation, an illustrated exploration of American photographs and photographers that feature neon and signage, hosted by presentation by Al Barna of SF Neon. This presentation showcases images from photographer heavyweights like Lee Friedlander, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, Harry Callahan, Stephen Shore, William Eggleston, Vivian Maier, Gordon Parks, Fred Herzog, and Weegee; as well as lesser known photographers and photographs made during the decades before neon signs were considered blight. Explored through photographs, historic neon signs are a fascinating synecdoche of small businesses and a window to the past. Get ready for a deep dive into the work of photographers who engaged with the spectacle and social themes of neon signs.

Thursday, July 28, 2022, 6:30pm | Tickets $10 Regular | $5 Students/Educators

This is a Zoom event, recording will be available on YouTube for one week after the event. In proud partnership with San Francisco Neon.

Reserve your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neon-through-the-lens-1930s1970s-tickets-382158354927

Al Barna is the co-founder of the SF Neon nonprofit organization, a photographer, and an artist. His work has been shown in exhibitions at the de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor Museum, the Rayko Gallery and Photography Center, the Harvey Milk Center for Photography, the San Francisco Public Library, and the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery. His photography has been published in various books and cultural publications including Alta magazine, CA Modern magazine, Shots magazine, The Sun magazine, Society of Commercial Archeology Journal, and Slate.com. albarna.com

Photo above: Fred Herzog Hub & Lux 1958, Vancouver. Courtesy Equinox Gallery.

Photo below: Ham N Egg, Broadway and 51st Street, New York City, 1953/4. Photo by WeeGee (Arthur Felig), used by permission of Getty Images/International Center of Photography.