Weinstein shows off his treasure exhibit

by Nick Schober
Staff Writer

A walk through the Irene Carlson photo gallery has quickly become a trip through American culture.

The gallery, located on the bottom floor of Miller Hall, has now become a temporary home for the photographic and periodic art of Don Weinstein. This particular spread, which Weinstein has dubbed "The Mayan Series," features photographs taken of posters of their original setting on the wall of The Mayan Theater.

The Mayan, built in 1927 in downtown Los Angeles, was one of only three pre-Columbian style theaters in America. It was also designed to portray the mystery and ruin of ancient Mayan cities. It was first used as a legitimate theater until shortly after World War II when it became a burlesque and art film house. From 1969 until 1989, it became an adult movie theater, and then refurbished once more in 1990 to reopen as a dance club.

Each of these time periods are depicted within the exhibit. La Verne students seem to welcome the very unique stylings.

"It's definitely different than what we usually have here," said senior Adriana Contreras.

Weinstein discovered this treasure while attending a private party celebrating the reopening of The Mayan as a dance club.

"I stepped through an open door to see these original posters draping the walls of the service alley. I felt like I was standing in a gold mine," Weinstein said.

The post World War II burlesque days are represented by animated likenesses of scantily clad dancers drawn in true 1940s style, with full, pouting lips and no imperfection to be found.

When the theater began showing adult films in 1969, movie makers would send out posters to advertise, which would be put up in the service alley. Although intended to advertise pornographic material, "little did they know they were preserving a slice of our culture on these walls," Weinstein said. Some posters also portray America's ever increasing fascination with oddity and brutal violence, sporting phrases such as "Never before seen in the U.S.," and, "The most barbaric sights ever on film."

Also featured are Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison adorning the walls of The Mayan, several original wall hangings that might be deemed priceless by some collectors. Pictures of classic posters that notarize the biggest musical names of that, or any other for that matter. There are also anti-war slogans and peace symbols, begging that we, "Stop the wanton killing," in Vietnam.

Weinstein also displays his works of portraiture, photographing other artists in their homes or other favorite spots.

"Documenting artists in their environment allows me to capture a special moment in their lives," Weinsein said. The artists are captured in settings that reflect their personalities and artistic style.

Weinstein often uses color, or the lack there of, to add to the feeling one might get while getting to know each artists through his or her portrait. "I try to bring a sense of discovery, play, and experimentation to my photographs," Weinstein said.

Featured in the display are Seth Kaufman, surfboard designer Darin Pappas, animator Kalen Campbell, street graffiti artist Street Phantom, whose face is not shown for obvious reasons, and film star and poet Dennis Hopper.

Weinstein has won several awards for his photography, including the 1989 Silver Seagul Award for Oriental Photo in Tokyo and the Leica Medal of Excellence in Photojournalism for his "Homeless in America, A Photographic Project" spread. He has captured several different arenas in his art and shows no signs of slowing just yet. "My vision has evolved over the years, but my desire to photograph remains as fulfilling as ever."

Currently he is editing these poster photographs for an upcoming book. The display will be hung in the photo gallery until March 22.