Photo by Estevan Oriol
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Photographer Estevan Oriol pulls inspiration from the city and reflects its sensibilities in his work by the juxtaposition of the glitzy, along with the downright gritty. Estevan is reputed to be the street photographer of our times, a reputation he cemented with his first book, L.A. Woman. Now comes, L.A. Portraits. The new book similarly catches readers by surprise by capturing Los Angeles’ most confrontational denizens and gritty neighborhoods, showcasing a hidden existence that most lensmen or lens women would steer clear of.
The book contains hundreds of photos documenting real L.A street life in a way rarely witnessed. L.A. Portraits deals with sensitive subjects in highly guarded environments–from criminal cartels to Hollywood’s A list. Estevan has earned the trust and respect of the streets at all levels, and now he is giving the rest of us pedestrians a glimpse into the street life. As Estevan puts it:
“This collection of pictures was taken throughout the past 20 years. It started out with photos of my friends and people I was meeting in the lowriding scene. Later, some magazine work led to special assignments on the gang culture here in Los Angeles.”
Whether he’s photographing gang life, a fashion model, or Dr. Dre, there is a voice in his work that is distinctly LA bred.
Photo by Estevan Oriol
Book Release & Signing Party
Friday, March 28, 2014
7 – 10 PM
La Luz de Jesus Gallery
Soap Plant / Wacko
