The Peter Fetterman Gallery has unveiled the thirty-fourth installment of its online series 'The Power of Photography,' showcasing works that highlight hope, peace, and love in the world. The exhibition invites viewers to appreciate and reflect on these powerful photographic pieces that span decades of artistic excellence.

Among the featured works is Georges Dambier's 'Marie-Hélène et Le Poisson Rouge' from 1957, a gelatin silver print measuring 50 x 60 cm, edition 2 of 5. Dambier (1925-2011), whose talent was recognized early by the gifted Hélène Lazareff, artistic director of French Elle magazine, revolutionized fashion photography by taking models out of stuffy studios and into the streets of Paris. With his charm and great sense of humor, he elicited magnificent performances from his subjects, as if he were directing a film. Known for his acute sense of style and design, Dambier became the essential photographer of the glorious era of French Elle, making fashion fun and attracting all the great models of the time.

The exhibition also features Ruth Bernhard's 'Angles' from 1969, a tender nude photograph that demonstrates her mastery of light and shadow. Bernhard (1905-2006) once said, 'My images reach indescribable dimensions. My quest, through the magic of light and shadow, is to isolate, simplify and enhance form with the greatest clarity.' Her life changed after a chance encounter with Edward Weston on Santa Monica Beach in 1935, who became her first mentor and inspired her artistic development. Like Weston, she lived her entire life in simplicity and devotion to her art, renouncing all material indulgence.

Wynn Bullock's 'Night Scene' from 1959 represents the mysterious and supernatural aspects of photography. Throughout photography's history, artists have used shadows, surrealist compositions, and the mystery of the unknown to evoke the supernatural. From classic portraits to ghostly superimpositions to dramatic shadow-filled scenes, photography has always had the unique power to bring our fears and fascinations to life.

Contemporary works include Paul Cupido's 'Reprise' from 2023, capturing an enchanting moment where deep red tones of a rising or setting sun blend into the sky, evoking feelings of renewal and reflection. The richness of the tones creates a powerful contrast, symbolizing both the end and beginning of a day, reminding viewers of nature's perpetual cycle. This image reflects Cupido's exploration of the ephemeral and the beauty of fleeting moments.

Cig Harvey's 'Sky Lantern' from 2017 showcases her unique vision as one of today's greatest photographers of her generation. Harvey describes photography as 'a kind of Ouija board, as if it's telling you something and you have to listen.' She emphasizes the importance of being a good partner when listening, not talking too much, and really absorbing what one is creating. Her work stands out with an original voice in both image creation and writing.

The exhibition includes politically resonant work such as Earlie Hudnall's 'Girl with Flag' from 1991. Hudnall's reflection that 'the camera is just a tool' and that each viewer brings their own interpretation resonates powerfully in the current political context. Just as an image invites varied perspectives, a political landscape invites diverse interpretations based on individual experiences and values. The work serves as a reminder to approach each election thoughtfully, listen to different viewpoints, and recognize that interpretations of issues are influenced by personal experiences.

Sports photography is represented by Neil Leifer's iconic image of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax after winning Game 4 and the championship series against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium on October 6, 1963. During the 1963 World Series, Koufax dominated the competition, winning two complete victories against the Yankees, including a stunning performance of 15 strikeouts in the first game. Leifer's magnificent image captures this historic moment in baseball photography.

Fashion photography excellence is showcased through Sarah Moon's 'Yves Saint Laurent for Dior' from 2022, a platinum print that demonstrates her unique style developed over 50 years of activity. Moon, who began as a model and learned her craft with incredible dedication and motivation, has created a distinctive approach that many attempt to imitate but never achieve. She offers not only beautiful images but also dreams.

The exhibition includes works addressing immigration and the American dream, such as Louis Stettner's 'Coming to America' from 1951. Stettner (1922-2016) believed in creating images capable of being indelibly engraved in the soul, seeking to reveal the invisible and capture what has the most meaning. As immigration remains a hot topic approaching elections, this image, one of Stettner's most striking works, pierces the soul and breaks the heart, reminding viewers of shared human experiences.

Brett Weston's 'Gondolas, Venice' from 1971 represents technical mastery in photographic printing. Weston (1911-1993) famously declared that he would print his work himself until death, considering printing a personal affair. True to his unconventional nature, he burned the majority of his negatives on his 80th birthday as a sign of defiance against conventions. His technical prowess ensures that surviving prints like this Venice image remain masterful tours de force.

The Peter Fetterman Gallery, located at 2525 Michigan Ave, A1 Santa Monica, CA 90404, continues to present 'The Power of Photography' series. The collection has now been published as a book by ACC ART Books, featuring 256 pages in a 7.87 x 9.06 inch format, available for $45.00. The book serves as a comprehensive documentation of the gallery's commitment to showcasing photography's power to inspire hope, peace, and love in the world.