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"NIKE" — Susan Ressler
Susan Ressler: A Life in Photography
Over a half century ago as a college student in the 1960s, photographer Susan Ressler began documenting and questioning the world around her with her camera. This exhibition highlights the expansive range of Ressler's artistic vision, from ethnographic image-maker on a Canadian First Nation reserve, to LA street photographer and more—including her iconic Executive Order 1970s images of corporate America, created for The Los Angeles Documentary Project, a National Endowment for the Arts survey grant on the occasion of the Los Angeles Bicentennial.
For most of her life, Susan has made Taos, New Mexico her home, yet most of her photographs depict Southern California. Here in the Golden State, she believes one can see the future unfold, and there is no better place to explore the social and political issues that characterize her work.
Curator Eve Schillo (LACMA) contributed an essay introducing Ressler's SoCal work in her newly released retrospective book. Schillo highlights how Ressler utilizes form and graphic elements to reinforce narrative messaging and social-cultural considerations. "It's also there in the reality of her palate—we know how to read these color prompts; this is the language of commodification we are schooled in. It can also be read as the language of the haves and have-nots."
For the past 50 years, Susan Ressler has focused her lens on themes of social justice. Her photographs critique wealth and power—she wields photography with humor and insight, and her work is especially relevant today.
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Susan Ressler is a distinguished American photographer whose career spans over five decades, focusing primarily on social documentary photography. Her work is celebrated for its insightful portrayal of societal structures and everyday life, earning her a place in prominent collections, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Ressler's photography often explores themes of consumerism, urban environments, and the human condition, reflecting her keen eye for detail and narrative.
Throughout her career, Ressler has been recognized for her contributions to the field of photography, participating in numerous exhibitions and receiving accolades for her ability to capture the zeitgeist of contemporary society. Her artistic journey is marked by a dedication to documenting the world around her, often highlighting the intersection of culture and commerce. Her work not only captures moments in time but also prompts viewers to reflect on the broader social and cultural implications.
The exhibition, running from October 11 to November 1, 2025, at The Photographer's Eye Gallery, features a career-spanning collection of Susan Ressler's work. The show coincides with the release of her retrospective book, "Susan Ressler Photographs: 50 Years," which will be available for purchase at the gallery. An informal talk by Ressler will take place during the exhibition opening on October 11 at 4 pm, followed by a 'Second Saturday' reception from 5-7 pm. The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to engage with the artist and her extensive body of work, offering insights into her creative process and the stories behind her photographs.
