Born January 27th, 1897, photographic artist William Mortensen first gained acclaim for his 1920s Hollywood Pictorialist portraits before becoming renowned for his haunting, often occult pieces. To celebrate the 125th birthday of the iconic photographer, many venues around the world are hosting showcases of his eerily indelible work.
Below, we list some of the most notable gallery exhibitions and premiere an exclusive piece by Lorena Martell, commissioned by the Stephen Romano (of the Stephen Romano Gallery), based on a self-portrait of Mortensen from the 1930s.
The Heritage Museum of Orange County, Santa Ana CA, will mount an ambitious installation of original works by William Mortensen in both the Maag Farmhouse and the historic Kellogg House. The exhibitions are curated by Annabella Pritchard, and exhibitions are designed by Jamie Hiber and Daniel Cooper. Many never-before-seen works will be included in this installation. William Mortensen’s final resting place is also in Santa Ana.
Opening January 29th – March 31st 2022. Reception Saturday January 29th, 2022.
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The Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick, in Cleveland will mount an exhibition of original works curated by museum director Steven Intermill. This is the second exhibition of Mortensen’s works the museum has undertaken. Many of the works in the exhibition have never been displayed publicly before since they were created almost 100 years ago.
Opening January 27th – March 15th, 2022
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The Gallery of Everything in London will present the series “A Pictorial Compendium of Witchcraft and Demonology” The Museum of Everything has custodianship of one of the most in depth collections of the works of William Mortensen.
January 27th into February 2022
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The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will highlight online their recent acquisition of the William Mortensen handmade book “The King of Kings” which was commissioned by director Cecil B. DeMille. The Museum will also display the book in The Anne Wilkes Tucker Photography Study Center.
Currently on view into February 2022
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The Laguna Art Museum will present on William Mortensen’s birthday a panel discussion moderated by Stephen Romano featuring Deborah Irmas, Michael Moynihan, Brian Chidester and Matthew Rolston.
William Mortensen is also included in the museum’s current exhibition “Sky Space Time Change” through April 25th 2022.
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Stephen Romano Gallery in Brooklyn will announce a special event. Announcement forthcoming.
For more information, visit www.whmcxxv.com/
