In Case You Missed It: Counterculture Photography of the 1960s &1970s

In Case You Missed It: Counterculture Photography of the 1960s and 1970s

A Book Talk in the PRS Library

In Case You Missed It: Counterculture Photography of the 1960s and 1970s presents a stunning portrait of an era that lit up briefly but brightly—Los Angeles in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Capturing the imagination of modern filmmakers and cultural tastemakers, this period of iconic imagery, changing social landscape, and free love in Los Angeles has sparked renewed interest through its representation in films like Licorice Pizza and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Eclectic, politically active, and filled with flowing fabrics in a rainbow of hues, the photography of de Wilde captures how a vibrant time in Los Angeles shifted the view of the city as it moved into a new era of awareness and enlightenment.

Jerry de Wilde, aka “Dok,” moved from his birthplace in Brooklyn, NY, to Los Angeles in 1960 after graduating from Columbia University. While studying theater, he was introduced to fine art photographer Robert Frank in 1964. De Wilde went on to work with Frank as a camera assistant and production coordinator on films like Chappaqua and Me and My Brother. During this time, Frank became a friend and mentor, encouraging de Wilde to shift his focus from acting to photography, challenging him to think about photography not so much as pretty pictures but rather to expand his thinking and reflect on what his pictures were about.

De Wilde’s photographs provide a rich and intimate look at the American countercultural scene, from “the Farm” where he lived above Warner Bros. Studios and photographed his friends experimenting with tie dye, to wider cultural events and art happenings, love-ins, anti-war demonstrations, Monterey Pop, and the March on Washington. In Case You Missed It touches art, music, fashion, and politics, but also friendship, family, and community—an examination of life.

Jerry de Wilde was born in Brooklyn, NY, where he lived until he left to attend college at Columbia University in 1955. In late spring of 1965, he and friend, Anton Greene, an artist and filmmaker, rented the old 46-acre Barham Ranch in the hills above Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles. Over the next seven to eight years it became known as "The Farm," a creative environment that was a notorious haven for actors, writers, musicians, artists, designers, filmmakers and poets with something to say. In 1992, de Wilde was invited to be an associate professor of fine art photography at Woodbury University where he taught for seven years. Most recently he has been photographing and printing large and medium format black and white abstract landscapes shot mostly in the American Southwest and Scotland.

Text for this book was edited by Jessica Hundley and the design is by Thunderwing.

Tickets: $10 (in person only event)

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

ABOUT YesterdayLA

This July, the Philosophical Research Society celebrates our beloved city’s rich and diverse past with YesterdayLA, a month-long exploration of unique stories and works of art that have become part of the fabric of Los Angeles history. The landscape of our city is changing faster than ever before. By examining the LA of yesterday, we invite Angelenos to gather together to not only look back but forward to the possibilities of our great city’s tomorrow.

Throughout its 90+ year history The Philosophical Research Society has stood as a sanctuary for those seeking truth and enlightenment, with its doors open to Angelenos who have created great works of art and innovation, political movements, and spiritual evolutions across the eras. YesterdayLA will explore the fascinating stories of our city’s past with the continued spirit of curiosity that has stood as the pillar of PRS’s mission.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed by the presenters are solely those of the presenter and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Presentations are intended for informational and entertainment purposes.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for PRS events, except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING​

We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking. Street parking is available on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east). For ADA assistance, please reach out to us in advance via email ([email protected]) or phone (323.663.2167) and provide an email or number we can contact you at.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
• Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
• We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
• Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
• No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.
• There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.
• We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.
• Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.
• Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Philosophical Research Society