Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood Possibly 1973 - 1994

Richard Gordon created this gelatin silver print, "Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood," sometime during his career. This image offers a glimpse into the complicated relationship between art, commerce, and the representation of women in American culture. The photograph presents a stark contrast between the classical nude featured in the advertisement and the mundane architecture surrounding it. The nude, reminiscent of historical paintings, seems to promise a world of beauty and fantasy, yet it is presented in a very public and commercial context. Gordon's work invites us to consider how images are consumed and how women are presented in media. During his time, debates about representation and exploitation in the entertainment industry were very current. Images like this allow for reflection on who controls the production of these images, what the political implications are, and how the institutional structures of Hollywood influence our perceptions of beauty and desire. Understanding this image requires research into the history of Hollywood, the changing roles of women in the media, and the influence of commercial imagery on social values.