In LA Portraits, the internationally celebrated photographer, Estevan
Oriol, explores the vibrant gang culture pervading the City of Angels.
The book follows its immensely popular predecessor, LA Woman in its
ability to capture an authentic view of the people of Los Angeles. "They
are not all monsters," says Oriol, "you got cool guys, crazy guys,
assholes. Most people are cool that's why I hang out with them. It's
more a brotherhood, a family. Got the barbecue, low riding, hanging out,
school days, guns, drugs, a little bit of everything." The collection
comprises over one hundred iconic images sourced from Oriol's
fascinating and extensive archive that spans over 20 years. Every
photograph is shot on film, presenting the viewer with a unique and
insightful journey into the LA gangland. L'Oiel De La Photographie
recognises this journey, calling Oriol's work "an unforgettable voyage
to another time and place where your boys just becoming men visit tattoo
parlors and begin to get their bodies inked. Of men with guns and
sunglasses and masks, of makeshift memorials on the sidewalk where
something terrible happened. Of colors, certain colors, and lots of
plaid. Of bandanas, baseball caps, of low riders cruising up along,
dudes posted up, uniform of the streets." -Miss Rosen.
