John Waters (*1946) is an American filmmaker, writer, author, actor and artist. As one of the most celebrated directors in American independent cinema, he has produced an array of cult films in the 1970s and 80s, such as Pink Flamingos (1972), Polyester (1981), and Hairspray (1988). Casting his eye over some unlikely corners of the film business, he later turned to photographic-based work in the 1990s with the same wit and audacity found in his films. At his vibrant best, when flaunting Hollywood’s rules or revelling in bad taste, he brings this rebellious streak to his artwork whichever the medium.

John Waters
John Waters: Pope of Trash
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Los Angeles
Through August 4, 2024
John Waters: Pope of Trash is the first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the artist’s contributions to cinema. The exhibition delves into his filmmaking process, key themes, and unmatched style. Works on view include costumes, props, handwritten scripts, correspondence, scrapbooks, photographs, film clips, and more, revealing the nuances of independent filmmaking and the ways in which Waters’s movies have redefined the possibilities of independent cinema.
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