PBA Galleries

16 silver gelatin prints. 15.2x10.1 cm (6x4") or vice versa.

There are possibly only two or three major centers in the USA where "modeling photographs" like these may have been taken. Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York City. While the setting is quite simple, the use of two sources of diagonal lighting points to a professional photographer. Hollywood was a major center for Model photography, whether for the movie industry, promotions, advertising, magazines, and more. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York had large Chinatowns, so it is conceivable that aspiring models may have been drawn from these communities. The photographs seem to have been taken in two different rooms. Judging from the flowery style of curtains in the background, the linoleum and oak flooring, the spines of the books in the bookcase, electrical plug and wall socket, and possibly even the lingerie, a location in the United States is suggested. Some of these orientalist fetish photographs feature the traditional cheongsam dress.