It was only until recently that one million crime scene photographs, no more and no less, were discovered in the long forgotten archives of the Los Angeles Police Department; they now make up the exhibit titled LAPD Archives by Merrick Morton, an LA-based photographer and LAPD reserve officer.
Restored and salvaged, LAPD Archives by Merrick Morton will be shown at Paramount Pictures Studios this upcoming weekend by Fototeka. Offering new insight into the discourse between crime fighting and art, the series "embody the very human tension between revolution and curiosity, for although these images were initially used to catch and reprimand criminals, they now function to satisfy our more voyeuristic yearnings," as noted by Beautiful Decay.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Vintage Crime Scene Photography
- The popularity of vintage crime scene photography presents opportunities for photographers, curators, and dealers to capitalize on the trend and create new revenue streams.
- Archival Restoration
- The process of restoring and salvaging archival materials provides opportunities for businesses and individuals in the restoration and preservation industries to offer their services to institutions and private collectors.
- Discourse Between Crime Fighting and Art
- The intersection of crime fighting and art offers opportunities for artists, writers, filmmakers, and academics to explore the sociocultural implications of past and present criminal justice practices and create new works that promote dialogue and change.
Where This Applies
- Photography
- Professional and amateur photographers can leverage the vintage crime scene photography trend to sell prints, create exhibitions, and offer educational workshops to a broad audience.
- Archives and Museums
- Archives and museums can partner with restoration and preservation experts to access and display rare materials and attract new visitors interested in historical artifacts and objects.
- Publishing
- Publishers can release new books and articles on the history and impact of crime scene photography, as well as how the images have influenced contemporary artists and popular culture, to capitalize on the growing interest in the topic.
