Jerry McMillan, a photographer renowned for capturing the vibrant mid-century Los Angeles art scene, passed away on Monday, February 9, at the age of 89. The cause of death was described as ‘old age and a broken heart’ by his son, following the passing of McMillan’s wife, Patricia Ella McMillan, just a week prior.
McMillan was born on December 7, 1936, in Oklahoma City, where he befriended Ed Ruscha and Joe Goode during his youth. In 1957, he moved to Los Angeles to study at the Chouinard Art Institute (now California Institute of the Arts), joining Ruscha, Goode, Patrick Blackwell, and Mason Williams. This group of friends, calling themselves the ‘Students Five,’ shared residences in Hollywood and Los Feliz.
After completing his education, McMillan became a prominent figure in documenting the nascent LA art world, photographing artists connected to the influential Ferus Gallery, such as Ed Kienholz, Larry Bell, and Robert Irwin. Andrew Perchuck from the Getty Research Institute, which acquired McMillan’s works from the ’60s and ’70s, stated, ‘So much of what we know about the LA art scene in that era is from Jerry’s photos.’
McMillan was known for crafting the public images of artists through ‘whimsically staged role-playing,’ as noted by the GRI. He famously depicted Ruscha in various personas, and his work for Judy Chicago’s name change announcement in 1970 remains iconic. He also created the provocative image for the War Babies exhibition in 1961, sparking debates over its use of ethnic stereotypes and the American flag.
In addition to his photography, McMillan explored the medium’s potential with his photo-sculptures, challenging traditional notions of photography. His innovative works were featured in exhibitions at the Pasadena Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Recognized for these pioneering efforts, McMillan’s influence extended beyond his contemporaries, impacting future generations of artists. He is survived by his children Jerry Jr., Heather, and Jennifer, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
