Culture Shock: Photography by John Gutmann
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Culture Shock: Photography by John Gutmann

Culture Shock: Photography by John Gutmann

Currently on Display

Culture Shock focuses on an early period of creative flowering for the Jewish photographer, a German refugee who arrived in the U.S. during the Great Depression.  The exhibition showcases over 60 vivid images of American popular culture that Gutmann captured as only an outsider could.

For a virtual walk through the Culture Shock exhibition click below.

 

John Gutmann was born in Breslau, German (now Wroclaw, Poland) in 1905, the son of prosperous Jewish parents. Showing early artistic talent, he studied at Breslau’s University and the Academy of Arts and Crafts, a student of leading Expressionist artist Otto Müller. Following his graduation, he moved to Berlin to pursue his painting career while also teaching art. In 1933, as the Nazi regime consolidated its power, it issued the Professional Services Restoration Act, denying employment to “Non-Aryans”. Gutmann formulated a plan to leave Germany permanently. With minimal photographic experience he secured a contract with Press-Photo in Berlin and charted a course as a foreign correspondent based in San Francisco, California. Traveling on a Norwegian freighter from Rotterdam via the Panama canal, Gutmann arrived in San Francisco on January 1, 1934 to begin his new life.

 

Other Events

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  • April 21st, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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    Don't miss out on an unforgettable evening as the Atlanta-based Joe Alterman Trio takes the stage once more at the Breman, this time joined by the renowned jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist, Ken Peplowski. Get your tickets now for a mesmerizing Jazz experience that will leave you spellbound!

  • April 28th, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

    Historic Jewish Atlanta Tour- Oakland Cemetery

    Plunge into the history of Jewish Atlanta as we explore Historic Oakland Cemetery. Amidst Victorian gardens and marble and granite sculptures, we will walk through the history, burial customs, and symbolism found throughout the Jewish grounds of this powerful city landmark. Founded in 1850, Oakland Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 70,000 people, including many of Atlanta’s most notable citizens. It is also home to three separate Jewish burial sections – including the second oldest Jewish burial ground in Georgia. Come enjoy a stroll around one of Atlanta’s most beautiful public parks, while we discuss some fascinating stories of the individual lives and religious organizations that enabled the city’s Jewish community to persist and flourish.

  • May 5th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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Exhibitions

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    Experience the Magic of Membership: Snag three tickets for the price of two! Act before February 25, and secure your season tickets for an unbeatable $100, saving big on the regular $50 per member ticket!

  • History with Chutzpah : Stories of The Southern Jewish Adventure

    The 250+ artifacts, documents, photographs and oral histories in the exhibition, reveal stories from the generations before us and offer you a journey into Jewish culture unlike any other.

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