The late Bulgarian-born architect Iwan Iwanoff is, according to architect and TV presenter Stuart Harrison, “to Perth what Gaudi is to Barcelona – a figure inseparable from the place [he] worked [in] and helped give identity to.”
An exhibition and book titled Catching Light by Jack Lovel is celebrating his work and seeking to solidify his place as a figure of national importance.
Architectural photographer Jack Lovel, has a long association with the architect’s work, having spent his formative years in a family home designed by Iwanoff, the Jordanoff House (1954) in Perth.
Marsala House, or the “Dianella Disco House” (1976).
Image: Jack Lovel
Lovel said that the émigré architect’s “revolutionary work” had left an impression at a young age. Around two years ago he set out to capture the few remaining relics of the architect’s career, hoping to give Iwanoff national prominence.
The book captures more than 20 remaining works designed by Iwanoff between his arrival to Perth in 1950 and his death in 1986.
Having studied architecture in Europe, Iwanoff set up his practice, then called The Studio of Iwanoff, in 1963 and became known for its idiosyncratic use of concrete blocks in residential projects. While his work is sometimes referred to as brutalist, he did not subscribe to that school’s prioritizing of the structural and utilitarian over aesthetics.
Lovel’s photographs were previously exhibited in Perth in 2019 at This Is gallery. In a piece written for the 2019 exhibition, Stuart Harrison noted that Iwanoff understood the harsh sun and particular light of Perth.
Architectural photographer Jack Lovel.
Image: Supplied
“His layering of concrete block screens in the later work is both artistic expression and also a way of dealing with the Perth summer sun – catching it on the outside and playing with it, shadows and reveals, giant fretwork made from simple cut concrete blocks,” he wrote.
Catching Light is on exhibition at Est Lighting until 31 March. The limited edition hard-cover book includes a foreword by Stuart Harrison and an introduction by Iwanoff’s son Nicolai.
