September 17, 2011 - January 22, 2012

In this exhibition in The Museum's Works on Paper Gallery, Andrew Orth's talent at making his subjects feel comfortable in front of the lens is very evident. Featuring prominent Hollywood directors, including Steven Zaillian (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Schindler's List), Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, The Wrestler) and John Dahl (Shameless, Californication), we get a glimpse of the personalities of some of the most powerful voices in Hollywood today.

According to Orth, "Directing Hollywood is an opportunity to go out of the box to show the faces behind the scenes, rather than actors that we all recognize. Photographing directors is so exciting because these are the people who are the creative geniuses behind film and television, and it can be pretty intimidating. Ultimately, it's about using photography to show the person within."

A Reading native, Andrew Orth was trained in theater at the Perkiomen School and studied Radio, Television and Film at Temple University. Soon after graduation, he moved to New York, where he worked as a production photographer for major motion picture companies. Eventually, this work evolved into shooting portraits for models and actors. His unique style and charismatic approach was recognized by agencies serving both the fashion and film industries.

Andrew has spent the last 25 years photographing his subjects in fashion and entertainment centers of London, Paris, Milan, Los Angeles and New York. His vision and creative approach extend across a wide spectrum of genres and allow him to develop photographs of exceptional power, from conceptualization through execution, while still doing what he has always done best as a photographer — capturing the essence of his subject through the lens.

This is Orth's second exhibit at the Reading Public Museum. His first show in 2007, Engaging Hollywood, featuring portraits of actors, was one of The Museum's most successful photographic exhibitions.

Opening Reception - Friday, September 16, 2011 – 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Lights, Camera, Action! Join us for an exciting evening as we celebrate the opening of this exhibit. Get your fashion fix by sprucing up your look with the talented artists from Hair On The Avenue. After your hair is primped and your make-up perfected, step in front of a Berks County Living photographer for your chance to be featured in the "B-Scene "section of the magazine. Enjoy fresh, light hors d'oeuvres prepared by Papillon brasserie while listening to Hollywood sounds from Genesius Theatre. Complimentary wine and beer will be served. $15 - Members $20 - Non-Members. For a PDF of the mailer and registration form, click here.

To watch a "Comcast Newsmakers" segment on this exhibition (10/11 - YouTube), click here.

To watch an interview with Andrew Orth on BCTV (9/9/11), click here.

Related Programming

Noontime Knowledge - Tuesday, October 4, 2011 - Noon

"Every Picture Tells a Story: The Photographic Portrait" - Anne Corso, Director of Education
Photographers have long been enchanted with the human portrait -- from Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Curtis to Cindy Sherman and Annie Leibovitz
Free with Museum admission (Members free; Lunch & Lecture cost: $10 Non-Member, $5 Member.

Reception and exhibition sponsored by:

Images - Left: Andrew Orth; Right: Steven Zaillian, photographed by Andrew Orth