I make pictures of the neighborhoods that I grew up in. These parts of the city, Hollywood and Koreatown, exist outside of the official narrative of what it’s like to live in L.A. I take photographs that depict the subtle beauty and harsh reality of these areas, constructing a visual counter narrative to the mainstream imagery that is normally associated with Los Angeles. These areas are both violent and beautiful, safe and dangerous. Those inherent contradictions manifest themselves in an urban landscape where you are just as likely to find a shiny new overpriced apartment complex as you are to find a homeless person sleeping in front of it.

My creative process involves regularly walking (or bicycling) through the neighborhoods I portray. It is important not to drive through but to physically wander the streets and focus on what elements are unique to the neighborhood and how they relate to work I am creating.

This method is fundamentally rooted in my past experiences in graffiti and skateboard culture. Both disciplines involve reinterpreting the urban landscape to suit your creative vision, which led to me doing the same with my photography.

I’m influenced by a wide range of photographers but two people loom larger than most, William Eggleston and Jamel Shabazz. I have always been amazed by the clarity of Eggleston’s work. His interpretation of the world is compelling and visually united by his technique and mastery of color. The vivid expression of a such a vision is something I aspire to accomplish with my own work. Jamel Shabazz is one of my original inspirations. Specifically, his book “A Time Before Crack” profoundly affected my own approach to photography. His work is both soulful and substantial, accurately conveying the complex narrative of life in New York. Other photographers I admire include B+, Ed Templeton, Walker Evans, Gordon Parks, and Ansel Adams.

Contact at kwasi.b@nonstndrd.com for any inquiries.6]