Getty Museum Presents Photographs Documenting Malibu's Surf Culture
The Facts
On August 4, 2026, the J. Paul Getty Museum announced a selection of photographs from its collection that capture Malibu's evolution into an international surfing destination. The works include images by Robert Weingarten, Anthony Friedkin, Robert Shlaer, John Divola, Ed Ruscha, and Herb Ritts, spanning from the 1960s to the early 2000s. The photographs depict surfers, iconic beaches, and landmarks such as the Getty Villa, reflecting the area's natural beauty and cultural shifts.
The Signal
This feature underscores the Getty's ongoing effort to highlight the cultural history of Southern California through its photography holdings. By presenting these works together, the museum contextualizes Malibu's transformation from a rural equestrian area to a hub for surf culture and celebrity residence. The selection also demonstrates the diversity of photographic approaches, from documentary to conceptual, that have captured the region's unique light and landscape.
- Artists: Robert Weingarten, Anthony Friedkin, Robert Shlaer, John Divola, Ed Ruscha, Herb Ritts
- Museums: J. Paul Getty Museum
- Locations: Malibu, Los Angeles, Santa Monica
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