Hammer Museum Exhibition Examines 40 Years of Portrait Photography

The Hammer Museum is presenting a photography exhibition that explores developments in portraiture over the past four decades. The exhibition includes works by Robert Mapplethorpe, whose archives are referenced in the source material. Two publications are mentioned in connection with the exhibition: Michael Cunningham's novel 'By Nightfall' and Steve Martin's book 'An Object of Beauty'. The exhibition appears to be currently on view at the Hammer Museum, though specific dates are not provided in the source material. The focus on portraiture suggests an examination of how photographic approaches to depicting people have evolved since the 1980s. The inclusion of Mapplethorpe's work indicates the exhibition likely features significant 20th century photographers known for their portrait work. The mention of contemporary novels suggests potential literary connections or contextual framing for the photographic works. The exhibition represents a significant institutional examination of photographic portraiture as an artistic practice.