New Exhibition: Double Exposure

A new exhibition in Olin Library harks back to the "Mad Men" days of magazine illustration and the artistic process behind the imagery.

Double Exposure: Al Parker's Illustrations, from Model to Magazine is on display in Olin Library’s Ginkgo Reading Room and Grand Staircase Lobby through September 25.

This exhibit, from the collection of the Modern Graphic History Library, explores the art-making process of magazine illustrator Al Parker. The display features original artwork and tear sheets from popular magazines published in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. The illustrations are presented alongside photographic studies taken by Parker, depicting women, men, and children from various viewpoints and poses. Through the juxtaposition of these images, we catch a glimpse of Parker's creative process, from his compositions captured in photos to his interpretations realized in print.

Alfred Charles Parker was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1906 and studied at Washington University’s School of Fine Arts from 1923 to 1928. Parker moved to New York City in 1935 where he became successful illustrating for national magazines including a series of fifty popular “Mother and Daughter” covers for Ladies Home Journal. Parker illustrated for countless magazines including Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, McCall’s, The Saturday Evening Post, Sports Illustrated, Pictorial Review, Town and County, and Vogue.

For more information about the exhibit, contact the Modern Graphic History Library: (314) 935-7741.

Comments

[Charmaine Scott]

It was fascinating to see how Parker focused on a point of the chin, turn of the shoulders, or pose of hand and from that drew the emotion of the scene which he could transfer to entirely different setting. Thanks so much for helping me see what he saw--the exhibit is thoughtful and entertaining!