Positioning the New

Selwyn Pullan

Organized by the West Vancouver Museum

June 3–July 19, 2009

Selwyn Pullan, Frederic Wood Theatre 1963. Image courtesy of the artist. | Selwyn Pullan, Gardner House 1960. Image courtesy of the artist.

The Charles H. Scott Gallery is pleased to present, Positioning the New, a comprehensive survey of the work of Canadian photographer Selwyn Pullan. In a career spanning over fifty years, Pullan played a critical role in advancing West Coast modern architecture. He documented residences and institutional projects for British Columbia’s leading architects in an intense and innovative period in the three decades following World War Two.

Public Programmes

Opening Reception
Tuesday, June 2, 7 PM
Charles H. Scott Gallery, Emily Carr University of Art + Design

Biographies

Pullan studied photography at the Los Angeles Art Centre (now the Art Center College of Design), graduating in 1950. Architectural photography, then a relatively new profession, had emerged in parallel to modernism and the advances in architecture in North America during the late 1930’s, and Pullan found his niche in this genre. Pullan’s photographs promoted the new style to a populace eager to embrace a modern way of living. His images were frequently included in photo essays in major design and architectural periodicals.

Pullan was sought out specifically for his inventive compositions and ability to contextualize new buildings. Pullan documented the work of architects such as Ron Thom, Fred Hollingsworth, Arthur Erickson and Barry Downs, among numerous others. Although primarily known for his architectural photography, Pullan also produced a significant body of work depicting Vancouver’s urban landscape, portraiture industry, fashion and design.

EXHIBITION GALLERY

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Selwyn Pullan, Phillips Residence, 1961. Photo courtesy of Libby Leshgold Gallery.

Installation view, Positioning the New, 2009. Photo courtesy of Libby Leshgold Gallery.