From Classics to Chrome: Automobiles from 1925 to 1960, features more than 40 full-color glicee prints of cars, some so rare that they have never been published before. Captured by Michael Furman, these technically magnificent images render each automobile as glamorously as a movie star photo. Additionally, Furman’s prints expose the cultural and economic influences on American and European automobile designs in the first half of the 2oth century. The exhibition will be on display at The Design Center at Philadelphia University from September 24 to November 20, 2005.
With beautiful, sweeping lines, elegant details, and perfect proportions, the classic automobile is the definitive expression of art – and a fascinating refection of the tastes and trends of Western Culture. The cars of 1925 through 1948 reveal an extraordinary segment of world history: a time of uncertainty, but an era in which imagination triumphed, bringing art and elegance to the road.
With imposing curved lines and showy pastel hues, the automobiles of the 1950s radiated the enthusiasm and hope experienced by the United States and much of Europe after World War II. Tail fins reached for the sky, and wide-mouthed grilles seemed to both smile and devour everything in the path as they cruised the pristine superhighways.
The exhibition, Classics to Chrome, represents a selection of images from Philadelphia-based Furman's two recent coffee table books published by Harry N. Abrams, Motorcars of the Classic Era and Automobiles of the Chrome Age: 1946-1960. Furman captures the breathtaking beauty of these cars, highlighting their graceful designs, premium craftsmanship, and unusual materials.
Michael Furman’s life-long love of photography has led to a thirty-year career working for top automotive clients and their agencies. Furman has contributed to product launches for Volvo, Nissan Altima and Quest, Mercedes CLK, BMW 7-series, Ingersoll-Rand road paving equipment, Bell Helicopters and Mack’s Vision truck line. Furman’s specialty is in-studio photography of pre-war coach-built classics: Bugatti, Delahaye, Delage, Duesenberg, Bentley, Cadillac, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Packard, Auburn, Talbot-Lago, Voisin, among others.
One of Furman’s latest projects was for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, photographing the world-famous automobile collection of Ralph Lauren. Speed, Style, and Beauty; Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection was released in the spring, 2005 to coincide with a major exhibit at the MFA.
Although heavily involved with the latest digital imaging and electronic techniques, Furman maintains a photographic feel in his work through elegant lighting and classic design earning him recognition from PhotoGraphis, Communication Arts and the International Automotive Advertising Awards. Furman’s work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Automobile Magazine, Classic and Sports Car, Robb Report and Auto Aficionado. He lectures extensively, and consults to major digital imaging manufacturers in their quest to bring better integrated products to market.