The Photography Of Robert Whitaker

Thanks to Robert Whitaker, viewers have an all-access pass to The Beatles at the midpoint of their career — approximately three years after their first number one record and three years before their partnership had dissolved. Whitaker’s involvement with the legendary band was extremely controversial when he photographed their most notorious album cover now known as the “butcher” cover. He explains, “It was inspired by a dream I had about The Beatles being ripped to shreds by all these young girls when they came out of a stadium.” In addition to The Beatles, Whitaker has worked with Cream, creating the Disraeli Gears cover, as well as Billy J. Kramer, Gerry & the Pacemakers, and Cilla Black. After 1968, Whitaker shot for Time and Life magazines, documenting the Florence flood, the Indo-Pakistan war, and the wars in Vietnam and Cambodia, where he narrowly escaped death. Morrison Hotel Gallery in La Jolla will feature many rare images of The Beatles and Cream, juxtaposed with his poignant photographs taken in Vietnam. Whitaker will be present at an opening night reception on April 25, from 6-9pm, where his photographs will also be available for purchase. The exhibit then continues through May 24. (858/551-0835, www.morrisonhotelgallery.com)   JANE SHIOMI