Photographer Tom Blachford's MIDNIGHT MODERN Exhibition Opens Today

Palm Springs, CA -- Today, February 20th the latest installment of Australian photographer Tom Blachford's series "Midnight Modern" will be unveiled in Palm Springs for a one-day only exhibition opening.

The new works are an extension of Blachford's previous collection, capturing classic Palm Springs mid-century architecture bathed in the surreal light of a full moon. Fittingly, the exhibition will take place inside one of Palm Spring's most iconic homes, the Alexander built Menrad Residence (the foremost mid-century construction company known for their homes built in the 1950's and 60's), which will be open for tours during the day, finishing with a cocktail party in the evening. This special event is part of Modernism Week, an annual celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture.

While the first collection was captured covertly, Blachford was granted full access to the properties this time around, thanks to a serendipitous meeting with President of the Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS ModCom) and owner of the Menrad Residence, Chris Menrad. With access came the freedom to play with interior lighting, angles and accompanying mid-century vehicles, yielding multi-layered results that draw the viewer into a world suspended between fiction and reality.

Among the architectural masterworks featured in the series is the recently restored Kaufmann house, designed by Richard Neutra in 1946. Blachford was given a rare opportunity to photograph the pool from the rear of the spectacular property. Under a night sky the result draws an intriguing parallel with the iconic photographs taken by Julius Shulman and Slim Aarons in 1947 and 1970 respectively.

"What drew me to Tom's work was seeing Palm Springs and our signature mid-century modern architecture shown in a totally new way," says Menrad. "I've always loved the fact that we have very few street lights here, and during periods of full moon the illumination is so magical. His photographs seem to capture that mystery, and offer an entirely unique perspective on the area."

Tom Blachford's photography has a way of connecting the familiar with the surreal, rendering functional, man-made structures into a strange and beautiful dream. Based in Melbourne, his fascination with texture and shape, both contributing factors to the graphic style and considered composition of his work, made for a natural transition into the world of architecture. At 27 years old Blachford's work has been featured in Domus, Wired, Curbed, Dwell and Australian Vogue.

The "Midnight Modern" works will be displayed in large scale Size 50" (130cm) wide and will be for sale during the event, as well as on Blachford's own website www.tomblachford.com.

DETAILS:

The "Midnight Modern" Exhibition in Palm Springs

To purchase a $35 ticket, go to: http://www.modernismweek.com/event/details/248578/

Location provided after ticket purchased

Friday, February 20th

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Afternoon tours are thirty minutes each, from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The final tour, from 5 p.m. -7 p.m., includes a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception.

Pictured: Tom Blachford, 470 West Vista Chino, Palm Springs, 2014.