Louis Sullivan through the lens of Szarkowski, Siskind and Nickel

**Kirk Gittings** · 22-Jun-2010, 21:27

One of the best large format architectural photography exhibits I have ever seen is this newly opened exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. "Looking after Louis Sullivan: Photographs, Drawings and Fragments" features images of Sullivan's designs by Aaron Siskind, John Szarkowski and Richard Nickel. This exhibit features many widely known and lesser known masterpieces of modern architectural photography all in b&w. The exhibit also displays Sullivan's masterful drawings and many ornamental details salvaged from buildings. I saw it today and was blown away. See it if you possibly can.

Looking after Sullivan

Sullivan Exhibit

**David Karp** · 22-Jun-2010, 21:47

Kirk,

Do you know if the exhibit is going to travel, and if so where? I could not find any info on the Art Institute website.

**Kirk Gittings** · 22-Jun-2010, 21:52

David,
I suspect not. This is a really low key exhibit publicity wise-no book, catalog or even a flier. The museum has been hammered by the recession and soaring costs, which may explain the lack of promotional materials. Also the museum did nothing in 2006 for the Sullivan 150 year anniversary, so this is 3 years late-just making amends? Whatever, it is superb.

**David Karp** · 22-Jun-2010, 22:30

Too bad. I would love to have seen this one. I did give a heads up to my good friend (who does architectural renderings), who I am sure will love it.

Thanks.

**Mark Sawyer** · 22-Jun-2010, 22:56

Sdaly, I won't see the hsow, unless it travels southwesterly. But it's good to see Szarkowski receiving some notice as a photographer. I saw quite a few of his prints a few years ago, and was most impressed. It seems as a curator, he overshadowed his other endeavors...

**John Powers** · 23-Jun-2010, 03:23

Since there is no exhibit book, fans might enjoy John Szarkowski’s book:
“The Idea of Louis Sullivan,” Bullfinch, 1956

John Powers

**Bob Chambers** · 23-Jun-2010, 04:35

I saw the exhibiit last saturday and while the photographs are great, showing the Chicago (and other cities) of the last century, I was amazed at the detail drawings of the facades that graced Sullivan's buildings. He produced by hand a huge body of great work.