Matthew Brower, curator at the University of Toronto Art Gallery, examines the development of live animal photography in nature at the end of the 19th century by focusing on the adaptation of hunting techniques—especially the hunting blind—by photographers aiming to capture images of animals.
Sunday, June 14, 3:00 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum Lecture Hall
In Focus: Animalia
May 26–October 18, 2015Getty Center
Photographs of animals have circulated since the early history of the medium, initially focusing on those that were tame, captive, or dead. Advancements in camera and film technologies enabled precise recordings of beasts in motion and, eventually, in their natural habitats. Spanning the history of photography, this exhibition examines the expanding tradition of animal representation through the works of artists such as Horatio Ross, Alfred Stieglitz, William Wegman, Pieter Hugo, and Taryn Simon, among others.
RELATED EVENTS
A variety of special programs complement the exhibition. All events are free, unless otherwise noted. Seating reservations are required. For reservations and information, please call (310) 440-7300 or see information on planning a visit.
TALK
Hide and See: The Photographic Blind as a Technology of Animal Representation
COURSE
Drawing from the Masters: Animals
Enjoy the tradition of sketching from original works of art every first and third Sundays of the month at the Getty Center. In July explore ways to draw animals with artist Peter Zokosky. All experience levels welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring sketchpads. This is a free program. Sign-up begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Information Desk.
Sunday, July 5 and 19, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum galleries
TOUR
Curator’s Gallery Tour
Arpad Kovacs, assistant curator of photographs, the J. Paul Getty Museum, leads a tour of the exhibition. Meet under the stairs in the Entrance Hall.
Thursday, June 11, 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 5, 2:30 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum galleries
FAMILY
Family Festival
Explore your animal nature at this daylong family festival celebrating the exhibition In Focus: Animalia. Transform yourself with whiskers and spots via face painting and then build a headdress based on your favorite creature. Embrace your wild side through storytelling, games, and workshops at this free, interactive event.
Sunday, October 4, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum Courtyard
Learn More
PUBLICATIONS
Publications are available in the Getty Museum Store by calling (310) 440-7333, or online.

Animals in Photographs
Arpad Kovacs
(Hardcover, $24.95)

Photography and Play
Erin C. Garcia

Landscape in Photographs
Karen Hellman and Brett Abbott

The Nude in Photography
Paul Martineau
Exhibition Checklist
Download the illustrated exhibition checklist PDF (7 PP, 1.9 MB).