Explore the Era

Delve into the postwar Los Angeles art world in this online archive, which provides additional material related to the exhibitions on view at the Getty Center. Learn about hipsters and happenings, and the venues across the city where all the action took place through images from the archives and first-hand accounts with the artists.

From the Archive

Robert Graham looking at his wax sculptures

Robert Graham looking at his wax sculptures in his exhibition at Nicholas Wilder Gallery, 1968. © Robert Graham. Image courtesy of Jerry McMillan and Craig Krull Gallery, Santa Monica. © Jerry McMillan

Nicholas Wilder arrived on the Los Angeles scene in 1965, opening a gallery on La Cienega Boulevard with financial backing from a group of friends. Though it closed in 1979 after having moved to Santa Monica Boulevard in 1970, the gallery was highly regarded, as was Wilder’s keen eye and ability to recognize artistic talent; he gave Bruce Nauman and Ronald Davis their first exhibitions and was an early supporter of Robert Graham.

Historic Map Locations

Works of Art

  • Untitled, Robert Graham

    Untitled, 1967, Robert Graham. Polyurethane resin. 8 5/16 x 11 7/16 x 11 1/8 in. Collection of Ed Ruscha. © Estate of Robert Graham

Explore the Archive

  • Video: Hans Neuendorf on Robert Graham

    Video: Hans Neuendorf speaks about the work of Robert Graham, February 2011

  • Robert Graham , 1960s

    Robert Graham in the 1960s. Image courtesy of the Robert Graham Estate

  • Robert Graham at work, 1960s

    Robert Graham working on one of his boxes in the 1960s. Image courtesy of the Robert Graham Estate

  • Robert Graham at work, 1960s

    Robert Graham working on one of his boxes in the 1960s. Image courtesy of the Robert Graham Estate