In celebration of Women’s History Month, The Ebell of Los Angeles curated “The Power of the Female Lens,” an all-female fine art photography experience featuring the work of three award-winning, Los Angeles-based female artists: Janna Ireland, Johanna Siegmann, and Jane Szabo. The exhibition opened last week with a reception welcoming artists and guests to the historic Ebell.
Curated by Ebell members serving on The Ebell Art Committee, chaired by member and Windsor Square resident Donna Russell, the exhibition highlights the unique work of these three LA-based female photographers.
“The Art Committee decided to exhibit three Los Angeles-based female fine-art photographers for the second post-COVID show at The Ebell,” Russell told the Buzz. “The committee members suggested titles and voted unanimously for “The Power of the Female Lens.” Artist Johanna Siegmann was suggested by committee member Denise Parga, Jane Szabo was familiar to a couple committee members, and Janna Ireland was known for her work documenting the homes of Paul Williams.”
While the committee didn’t identify or suggest a theme for the exhibit, one emerged as the work was being installed, said Russell. Members of the Art Committee involved in the exhibit include Carolann Bennett, Catherine Gellert, Merry Karnowsky, Madelyn Murray, Karen Numme, and Denise Parga.
“Architecture and Travel are seen in the work of each fine-art photographer, from the Mojave Desert/Salton Sea (Siegmann) to Nevada ( Ireland) to across the country (Szabo),” said Russell. And coincidently, all three artists’ names begin with a “J”!
Artist and educator Janna Ireland is well known to local audiences for her architectural photography of buildings designed by the African American architect Paul R. Williams. Her book, “Regarding Paul R. Williams: A Photographer’s View” was shortlisted for the 2020 Paris Photo–Aperture Foundation First PhotoBook award. Recently, Ireland was awarded a Peter E. Pool Research Fellowship by the Nevada Museum of Art to document Williams’ work in Nevada. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions across the United States and internationally, and her work is in the permanent collections of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the California African American Museum, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Though Johanna Siegmann is most well known for portraiture, especially people and their pets, her images exhibited in this show featured architecture and landscape from her series on the Mojave desert and abandoned spaces, showcasing her deep appreciation of rich textures, colors, and shadows. Her book, “In Good Company (Notable People with their Pets)” was published earlier this year.
Conceptual artist Jane Szabo selected photographs from her series in which she fabricated models and placed them in the landscape to create her images. The series explored her personal journey caring for her aging mother and examining the meaning of home. Szabo’s background creating props, miniatures, and set construction for the film and amusement industry infuses her creative process. Her art is also a part of the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Arte al Limite in Santiago, Chile, Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor in Santander, Spain, and in private collections throughout the U.S. and Europe.
The exhibit opened March 22, 2023 and will be on display though April 23 with viewing by appointment. For more information and to book an appointment click here or contact The Ebell at (323) 931-1277 or Art Committee Chair Donna Russell by email.
Founded in 1894, The Ebell of Los Angeles is a women-founded and women-led organization working to provide a vibrant and inclusive arts and culture hub that fosters the educational, cultural, and social growth of women.
The Ebell Art Salon
741 South Lucerne Blvd. (Free parking across from entrance on Lucerne)
Free admission
Viewing by appointment through April 23
Contact The Ebell at (323) 931-1277 or Russell by email.
