"Elvis at 21: New York to Memphis"
Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer
Govinda Gallery
1227 34th St. N.W.
Through Dec. 30
Nestled between a tailor shop and hair salon in a charming little Georgetown neighborhood, a two-room gallery brings back to life the original King of Pop through a brilliant exhibition of black and white photography.
Frozen at the age of 21, Elvis Presley's beautiful face stares out of the 40-plus frames, telling the unique visual story of his initial rise to fame. These intimate portrayals of Presley as he burst onto the cultural scene are thanks to the exclusive access that photographer Alfred Wertheimer was able to enjoy, a privilege that no one was ever granted again.
The photographs are a unique portrayal of Presley's life in 1956 as Wertheimer followed him around the country on one of the first of many tours that would solidify Presley's stature in the music world. The photographs make a flipbook of Presley's life that year: from the simple shot of a morning shave to the view of a live performance as seen from backstage. From drinking with the boys to the crowds of girls who would virtually break down a fence to get to the King, Wertheimer captured every moment.
Many of the photographs are nationally recognized, such as the salacious depiction of Presley kissing a young female fan in a dark corner, tongues and all. However there are also others, less scandalous yet still supremely "Elvis Presley."
Presley, even more than his actual music, defined rock and roll in everything he did. The photographs captivate his cool and calm demeanor, the soft smile that won every girl's heart and the way that he put everything he had into his music.
Wertheimer obviously knew what he was doing. He used light to his greatest advantage, capturing each moment in the most brilliant way. The backgrounds were generally very dark, mostly black, which puts every focus onto the central image: Elvis Presley. The use of shadows softened the images. This package makes the photographs much easier for the viewer to take in.
Most images are candid, showing off Presley as he really was: playing piano in an empty room, performing on an empty stage, running around in his underwear and wooing young women.
The exhibit is a celebration of the publication "Elvis at 21: New York to Memphis," with text and photographs by Wertheimer and edited by the owner and director of Govinda Gallery, Chris Murray. It is insurance that Presley's beginning will never be forgotten and will be remembered in this stunning and intimate collection.
