Backyard Tableaux

Rafael Cardenas, known for his compelling street photography, presents a selection of new works capturing backyard scenes across the eastside of
Los Angeles. Widely recognized for his black and white photographs representing a cross section of urban life, Backyard Tableaux features vivid color images that offer intimate moments in private, yet social spaces. At once celebratory and documentary, the photographs in this exhibition offer a window into scenes that reveal stories of the contemporary Angeleno experience.

Spanning images that range from tableaux vivants, portraits and still lifes, Backyard Tableaux presents vignettes of backyard scenes and the people that activate them. These dynamic compositions hone in on nuanced details, such as a quick portrait before a music set, or the aftermath of a swing at a piñata. Collectively, these images engage in storytelling of the moment, offering insights to both people and place.