LOS ANGELES, CA.- Month of Photography Los Angeles, a collaborative, citywide initiative, kicked-off its month-long programming on March 31 which continues through April 30. This year's theme, DIVERSE/CITY, explores diversity in photographic styles and genres, and celebrates the concept of exploration within photography. Lucie Foundation’s unique and innovative programming includes the return of Instagram Jam, multiple photographic projections, and a unique collaboration between sculptor Robert Graham and a variety of street artists, photographed by renowned Los Angeles photographer Jim McHugh. Week 1 exhibits, events and discussions are highlighted below:
The Analogue Portrait Project (Thursday, March 31, 6-9pm), is a submission-based competition presented by AESTHESIA STUDIOS in partnership with MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY LOS ANGELES, with one rule: all portraits submitted must have been made using film, not digital cameras. Initially conceived by Lew Abramson, he is quoted as describing the project thusly: “In and amongst the megapixels and nano-coating, the roots of our art can get a little mottled, but it is in shooting film that we can slow down enough to really see them and in those roots we remember the why. It is the why that the Analog Portrait Project is meant to embrace. It is the why that is the gray area between art and commerce.”
Truth is Stranger Than Fiction (Friday, April 1, 7-9:30pm) is a group show curated by acclaimed photographer Aline Smithson, in which ten Los Angeles photographers use Mark Twain’s adage, “Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; truth isn’t,” as inspiration for this unique exhibition. Each photographer discovers stories they find curious or mystifying and create imagery that represents the essence of the narrative. Aline added, "It is exciting to have a yearly opportunity that celebrates photography in Los Angeles. In honor of MOPLA, a group of photographers created a show titled "Truth is Stranger than Fiction", producing visual narratives of stories that can't possibly seem real. The exhibition was specifically constructed for MOPLA, inspired by the potential of an opportunity to bring this work to a larger audience.”
Broad Strokes, Leica Gallery (Saturday, April 2, 6-8pm) is a group show highlighting female photographic luminaries shooting a wide array of subject matter, all with the Leica systems. Participating Artists: Lisa Leone, Tasya Van Ree, Lesa Amoore, Eva Napp, Tanya Alexis, and Cira Crowell. Leica Gallery director Paris Chong added, “I am so excited to be featuring this amazing body of work from this set of brilliant female Leica photographers especially since it is such a male dominated field. I am very proud to be a part of this show in particular and honored to be working again with MOPLA and The Lucie Foundation. We have embraced the title, Broad Strokes, since the subject matter appears to be a bit all over the place while at the same time, quite perfect!”
Bergamot Station's Photo Hop (Saturday, April 2, 5-8pm) Participating galleries include: Robert Berman Gallery, #B7: The Body Electric, Photographs by Jeff Charbonneau & Eliza French, Peter Fetterman Gallery, #A1: Sebastião Salgado: A Retrospective, bG Gallery, #G8A: MultiCity, an exhibit exploring the diverse worlds of LA area photographers, dnj Gallery, #J1: Martin Luther King Dr.: Honoring an American Hero by Susan Berger, Building Bridges Art Exchange, #F2: Trouble Diaries: Four Stances - curated by Dermis Leon, and Sloan Projects, #B5: Adele Mills: Four Acts and a Landscape.
Diversions, Subtleties and Devotion: Five Photographic Visions– Venice Arts (artist talk and closing reception, Sunday April 3, 2pm, exhibit through April 7 2016) Co-organized by Venice Arts and Month of Photography Los Angeles (MOPLA), this group exhibition curates the work of five photographers - Kristen Bedford, Rachel Bujalski, Allison Pharmakis, Josh S. Rose and Lev Rukhin — each bringing a unique perspective to MOPLA’s 2016 theme: Diverse/City.
