Photo Love: A Kiss with Attitude via Lillian Bassmen

February 23, 2010

I am so jealous of Southern Californians right now.  Besides the enviable weather right now, they can easily visit the “Lillian Bassman: Women” exhibit through March 10 at the Peter Fetterman Gallery.

I think I stumbled upon Lillian Bassman’s work when stalking another photographer’s blog.  Bassman’s photography is undoubtedly fashion photography, but the dreamy black and white images also hint at aspects of abstract paintings; this sassy 93 year-old came out of a 20+ year retirement and uses Photoshop to play with lighting in some pictures now.  I also love the powerful femininity in many of the portraits in the Women collection.

This woman is giving a kiss.  But it is her call, her choice, and she will give that kiss on her own terms.  While she is not oozing of warmth, she is full of stylish attitude.  While I’m not sure it’s me, it’s a very Holly Golightly kind of moment – a woman vying to live and love according to her own rules.

“You musn’t give your heart to a wild thing. The more you do, the stronger they get, until they’re strong enough to run into the woods or fly into a tree. And then to a higher tree and then to the sky.”

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  • very married February 23, 2010 at 16:17

    i LOVE this breakfast at tiffany’s quote.

  • nookie February 23, 2010 at 16:35

    beautiful!

  • PartyPlannerGal February 23, 2010 at 16:52

    Swoon . . . just gorgeous! And the photographer is 93? Impressive!

  • Mo February 23, 2010 at 16:55

    I wonder why my IP address comes up as Fallbrook on your sidebar. Weird.

    Anyway–what a magnificent show! I’m sad that it’s in Santa Monica (so far from me!) but may be worth the trek.

  • freeteyme February 23, 2010 at 17:30

    who can refuse Audrey in that gorgeous pic! I would love to seehis exhibits someday. TOo far from me right now. Oh, and thanks for the greeting girl! I would definitely take you on your offer for my wedding questions!

  • Liz February 23, 2010 at 18:00

    they had such weird hats in the 40s and 50s.

  • honey my heart February 23, 2010 at 18:33

    ooo, i must visit this gallery!

  • Shop N' Chomp February 23, 2010 at 23:11

    What a beautiful picture. =)

  • THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE February 24, 2010 at 01:13

    so gorgeous! wish i was in CA myself! 🙂

  • Sarah Ann February 24, 2010 at 01:31

    Wow. I really love this photo, I think I’m going to have to look her up and look at more of her work.
    I love the way you put how the woman looks and reminds you of Holly Golightly. I completely identify with that. So much so that I’m going to save it for future use. Don’t worry, I’ll say the source. =]

  • bananas. February 24, 2010 at 03:57

    that definitely has sass and i do like sassy 🙂

    hope you had a great day despite the oogly weather that i’m guessing you’re having. weather in norcal has been crummy too.

  • WendyB February 24, 2010 at 17:51

    Love that photo.

  • Born to be Mrs. Beever February 25, 2010 at 23:28

    I was totally thinking Holly Golightly!

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