Sensual/Sexual/Social: The Photography of George Platt Lynes

An immersive exhibition that introduced visitors to George Platt Lynes, one of the most influential fine-art and commercial photographers of the mid-20th century, through his work, personal relationships, creative process, and social and historical context. Drawing from more than 2,300 vintage negatives and hundreds of prints, the exhibition explored how Lynes’ sexuality, relationships, artistic circle, and the legal and cultural climate of his time shaped both his work and his relative obscurity within the art historical canon. A layered interpretive experience invited visitors to look beyond the photographs to discover the person behind the camera and engage directly with the processes, relationships, and influences that shaped his legacy.

My Role

I led the interpretive strategy and experience development for the exhibition, translating complex themes around identity, sexuality, legality, relationships, influence, and artistic process into an accessible, emotional, and engaging visitor experience. I developed the interpretive framework and created a range of hands-on, multimedia, and immersive experiences, including a recreation of Lynes’ photography studio, exploration of historic photographic tools and processes, a multi-layered timeline, audio readings of Lynes’ correspondence with Alfred Kinsey, and a participatory letter-writing activity using vintage typewriters. I worked collaboratively across curatorial, design, and media teams to create multiple pathways for visitors to engage with the exhibition and develop a deeper understanding of Lynes’ life, work, and legacy.