For two decades, M+B has showcased the works of LeRoy Grannis, one of the most iconic photographers in the history of surfing. To celebrate this 20-year milestone, M+B, in conjunction with the Grannis estate, has released Platinum estate prints of Grannis’ color photographs in monumental scale. Grannis’ photographic journey through the 1960s and 1970s captured the essence of a transformative era in surfing, a time when the sport was evolving from a niche pastime into a global cultural phenomenon.
Grannis initially dabbled in photography as a hobby, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that his work began to gain widespread recognition. Grannis’ unique perspective and technical prowess allowed him to capture the soul of surfing. Using a 35mm East German camera, he innovatively developed a box mount for his surfboard, allowing him to photograph and change film while in the water. His photographs are not merely images of surfers riding waves; they are a vivid portrayal of the surfing lifestyle and community during a pivotal time in history.
The 1960s were a revolutionary period for surfing, marked by significant changes in technology, culture, and society. The introduction of lighter and more maneuverable surfboards, coupled with a growing interest in the sport, led to a surge in popularity. Grannis was at the forefront of documenting this transformation. Grannis’ lens immortalized some of the most legendary surfers of the era, including Miki Dora, Phil Edwards, and Greg Noll. His photographs capture moments of pure grace and athleticism.
Grannis had an extraordinary ability to capture the breathtaking beauty of the California and Hawaiian coasts. His compositions often featured the vast expanse of the ocean, the rugged coastline, and the golden hues of the setting sun. These elements combined to create a sense of place that was as integral to the surfing experience as the waves themselves.
From beach bonfires and VW vans to the camaraderie and spirit of the surfing community, Grannis’ work paints a comprehensive picture of a subculture that was as much about freedom and exploration as it was about the sport. Grannis’ photographs also serve as a poignant reminder of the broader cultural context of the 1960s. This was a time
of profound social change, marked by a spirit of freedom and exploration. The early 1960s, in particular, were a period of relative innocence and optimism, a time before the Vietnam War and the political upheaval that followed the Summer of Love. Surfing, with its emphasis on harmony with nature and a laid-back lifestyle, embodied the ideals of this era.
The 1960s surfing scene captured by Grannis was set against a backdrop of a more carefree time, before the disillusionment of the late 1960s and early 1970s. His photographs reflect a period when life was more easygoing and being in the right place at the right time could lead to extraordinary experiences. This was an era free from the pervasive influence of the digital age, where moments were lived fully and authentically, unmediated by technology. The enduring appeal of LeRoy Grannis’ photography lies in its authenticity and timelessness. His work has been instrumental in shaping the visual narrative of surfing, influencing generations of photographers and surf enthusiasts alike.
As we celebrate 20 years of his work being showcased at M+B, we are reminded of the power of photography to preserve moments in time and to evoke emotions that resonate across generations. Grannis’ legacy continues to inspire and captivate, ensuring that the spirit of 1960s surfing remains alive and vibrant for years to come. His photographs not only document the evolution of a sport but also capture the essence of an era defined by freedom, exploration, and a profound connection to the natural world.
LeRoy Grannis (1917 – 2011, California) is one of surfing’s most important documentarians. He was voted into the International Surfing Hall of Fame as the number one lensman in 1966, and in 2002, he was awarded SIMA's Lifetime Achievement Award. He was the subject of The Surfers Journal's first ode to the master photographers in 1998 with Photo: Grannis; his work was featured in Stacy Peralta's 2002 award-winning documentary of the sport, Riding Giants and in 2006, LeRoy Grannis: Birth of a Culture was published as a limited-edition, signed collector's edition monograph by TASCHEN. In 2005, M+B Gallery in Los Angeles gave Grannis his first art exhibition, and since then, his photographs have been exhibited widely. Solo exhibitions include two shows at M+B, Los Angeles; Van Horn Gallery, Germany; Dallas Center for Architecture, Texas; Benrubi Gallery, New York and a solo presentation at Paris Photo Los Angeles. Selected group exhibitions include Musee Nicéphore Niépce, France; California Surf Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, Musée de l’Elysée, Switzerland; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, California; Laguna Museum, California and Fifty One Fine Art Photography, Belgium. Thematic exhibitions include Pacific Worlds at Oakland Museum of California and Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History 1843 to the Present at the Brooklyn Museum. Grannis was also the subject of a second TASCHEN monograph, LeRoy Grannis: Surf Photography of the 1960s and 1970s, now in its fourth edition. The artist’s work is in the permanent collections of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, California; The Huntington Library, California and the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C., among others.
