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.

Press Baza

Business cards from Press Baz

Business cards from Press Baza, ca. 1955. The Getty Research Institute, Charles Brittin papers, 2005.M.11

In 1955, Edward Kienholz found this small space for Robert Alexander to live and work in. It became a hangout for artists and poets. It is here that Alexander began printing business cards for his circle, and Instant Theatre announcements.

Historic Map Locations

Works of Art

  • Untitled (Art is Love is God)

    Untitled (Art is Love is God), 1955, Robert Alexander. Wooden box, photograph, bullet, and paper. 3 7/16 x 6 7/16 x 3 5/16 in. The Getty Research Institute, Charles Brittin Papers, 2005.M.11.29. Courtesy of the Temple of Man, Inc.

  • Business-card box for Charles Brittin

    Business-card box for Charles Brittin, 1957, Robert Alexander. Collaged box with medicine cap affixed. 2 1/2 x 6 3/8 x 3 7/8 in. The Getty Research Institute, Charles Brittin Papers, 2005.M.11.27. Courtesy of the Temple of Man, Inc.

  • Business-card box for Charles Brittin

    Business-card box for Charles Brittin, ca. 1950s, Robert Alexander. Collaged box with key affixed. 2 1/4 x 4 5/16 x 3 15/16 in. The Getty Research Institute, Charles Brittin Papers, 2005.M.11.28. Courtesy of the Temple of Man, Inc.

Explore the Archive

  • Audio: Robert Alexander

    Audio: Hear Robert Alexander discuss his artwork. Excerpt from an interview with Robert Alexander by Sandra Leonard Starr, 1986. The Getty Research Institute, Gift of Sandra Leonard Starr, 2011.M.22. Courtesy of the Temple of Man, Inc.

  • Robert Alexander, ca. 1960

    Robert Alexander, ca. 1960. The Getty Research Institute, Charles Brittin papers, 2005.M.11.20 © J. Paul Getty Trust. Photo by Charles Brittin

  • Robert Alexander, John Reed, Wallace Berman, Juanita Dixon, and Walter Hopps

    Robert Alexander, John Reed, Wallace Berman, Juanita Dixon, and Walter Hopps in the alley next to Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles, ca. 1957. The Getty Research Institute, Charles Brittin papers, 2005.M.11.9. © J. Paul Getty Trust. Photo by Charles Brittin

  • Brochure for a performance at Instant Theatre

    Brochure for a performance at Instant Theatre, "Part of the forest is remaining unseen and the seen no longer is seen," ca. 1957, designed by Robert Alexander. Letterpress. The Getty Research Institute, Charles Brittin papers, 2005.M.11.25. Courtesy of the Temple of Man, Inc.