The Good Life @ JL Modern: Experiencing Leisure, Joy & Luxury

NOVEMBER 8 – DECEMBER 14, 2024

The exhibition features the works of Slim Aarons, Rodney Smith, and William Helburn, three photographers whose images embody levity, pleasure, and elegance. Through their distinct visions, The Good Life offers an invitation to embrace life’s finest experiences. These works celebrate joy, luxury, and lightness—not as extravagances, but as moments that enrich our everyday existence.

The photographs on display go beyond simple documentation; they breathe life into the present, inviting us into a world of unencumbered joy and indulgence. Whether capturing refined leisure or whimsical elegance, these images transcend time to evoke emotions that resonate today. Each frame holds a fragment of freedom, exuberance, or nostalgia—reminding us that even the simplest pleasures can carry a timeless allure.

Slim Aarons (1916–2006) dedicated his career to capturing the lives of the rich and glamorous. Known for striking images of high society at leisure—whether by the pool in Palm Springs or on the slopes of Gstaad—Aarons embodied his philosophy of “photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.” His photographs immortalize leisurely pursuits against stunning backdrops of luxurious estates and sun-drenched beaches, revealing a visual archive of mid-20th-century elegance and opulence. Beginning his career as a combat photographer during World War II, Aarons transitioned to society photography post-war, establishing a signature style marked by vibrant colors and natural light. His influential body of work has graced major publications like *Life* and *Harper’s Bazaar* and continues to inspire artists and designers, reflecting the complex narratives of identity and privilege that define his legacy.

Rodney Smith (1947–2016) was a prominent fashion and portrait photographer whose whimsical black-and-white imagery evokes the surrealism of René Magritte. Known for his un-retouched, dreamlike compositions, Smith masterfully balanced elegance and humor, creating enchanted worlds filled with playful surprises. His photographs reflect a keen understanding of light and composition, inviting viewers into a realm where joy and optimism reign. With a career spanning over 45 years, Smith’s work continues to inspire and captivate, celebrating the beauty of life through his unique artistic vision.

William Helburn (1924-2020) was a pioneering figure in fashion and advertising photography, whose work epitomizes the creative revolution of the 1950s and 1960s. His innovative approach to visual storytelling transformed how fashion was portrayed, blending elegance with an unexpected sense of humor and whimsy. Helburn’s photographs not only captured the era’s most iconic models, such as Dovima and Sharon Tate, but also illustrated the vibrant spirit of postwar America. By pushing the boundaries of traditional studio settings and utilizing urban environments as backdrops, he created dynamic compositions that resonated with the youthful optimism of the time. His distinctive aesthetic—marked by bold colors and striking contrasts—mirrors the exhibition’s theme of redefining identity and exploring the interplay between fashion, culture, and societal norms. Helburn’s legacy as a master of both technique and vision continues to influence contemporary photography, making his work a vital part of this narrative.

Together, the works of Aarons, Smith, and Helburn invite us to experience The Good Life—a celebration of life’s finer moments, where joy, beauty, and elegance intertwine. This exhibition reminds us that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most meaningful and luxurious of all.