Burkhardt

"Less incendiary" subjects also proved controversial, such as his Crucifixion Series - condemned for his use of red color and abstract style, regarded as subversive; examples of which are included in Hans Burkhardt: Within & Beyond the Mainstream.

Bill Bush: The Haze of Memory: This Artweek.LA (September 19-26) Bill Bush 2011

Hans Burkhardt: Within & Beyond The Mainstream | Burkhardt was both critically celebrated and "censored," as his works proved controversial in the years leading up to the McCarthy Era, when modern artists in L.A. were seen as Communist threats.

Bill Bush: The Haze of Memory: This Artweek.LA (September 19-26) Bill Bush 2011

Hans Burkhardt: Within & Beyond The Mainstream | Burkhardt was both critically celebrated and "censored," as his works proved controversial in the years leading up to the McCarthy Era, when modern artists in L.A. were seen as Communist threats.

Bill Bush: The Haze of Memory: This Artweek.LA (September 19-26) Bill Bush 2011

Hans Burkhardt: Within & Beyond The Mainstream | Burkhardt was both critically celebrated and "censored," as his works proved controversial in the years leading up to the McCarthy Era, when modern artists in L.A. were seen as Communist threats.

Bill Bush: The Haze of Memory: This Artweek.LA (September 19-26) Bill Bush 2011

Artists ranging from Ed Kienholz, John Altoon, Karl Benjamin and Tony Berlant are among those impacted by Burkhardt's independent and provocative works, as he received extensive critical recognition.

Bill Bush: The Haze of Memory: This Artweek.LA (September 19-26) Bill Bush 2011

For Mr. Burkhardt, greeting loved ones afterward is pretty relaxed, since his friends are typically theater people and his parents are "slightly hippie."

When Actors Bare More Than Their Souls Lizzie Simon 2011

That might present a challenge to some, but the entire cast of "Hair" thrives in the setting, from the powerhouse opening vocals of Phyre Hawkins with the anthemic "Aquarius" to the harmonizing of the entire cast on the closing "Let the Sun Shine In" led by Burkhardt.

Charles Karel Bouley: Hair Is Still Groovy After All These Years Charles Karel Bouley 2011

That might present a challenge to some, but the entire cast of "Hair" thrives in the setting, from the powerhouse opening vocals of Phyre Hawkins with the anthemic "Aquarius" to the harmonizing of the entire cast on the closing "Let the Sun Shine In" led by Burkhardt.

Charles Karel Bouley: Hair Is Still Groovy After All These Years Charles Karel Bouley 2011

That said, in the current Broadway revival of "Hair," which closes this weekend, the nude scene still inspires walkouts, according to Steel Burkhardt , 27, who plays the character of Bennie.

When Actors Bare More Than Their Souls Lizzie Simon 2011

Artists ranging from Ed Kienholz, John Altoon, Karl Benjamin and Tony Berlant are among those impacted by Burkhardt's independent and provocative works, as he received extensive critical recognition.

Bill Bush: The Haze of Memory: This Artweek.LA (September 19-26) Bill Bush 2011