July 1, 2016 - Los Angeles, CA - East Los Angeles photographer, Rafael Cardenas is launching the much anticipated photography book, MAS ACA on July 8, 2016 at Espacio 1839 in Boyle Heights at 7 pm. Cardenas’ first ever book is a collection of his work from 2010 to 2015.
MAS ACA, Intro by Harry Gamboa, Jr with poetry by Gloria Enedina Alvarez and Joseph Rios, is comprised of over 100 stunning black and white images that capture the often unseen communities and rapidly disappearing landmarks on the streets of current day LA. Cardenas’ intimate view offers a true reflection of Los Angeles with an introduction by Chicano artist, writer and educator, Professor Harry Gamboa, jr. and poetry by prolific poets, Gloria Enedina Alvarez and Joseph Rios.
“Rafael Cardenas takes on the role as a 21st Century documentarian and as interpreter of visual events that reverberate and sustain a mythical Los Angeles that owes its tempo its peoples and to the wavelengths of light that have been captured through the lens of his perceptive vision,” Gamboa, Jr. explains in his introduction, Reflections in an Urban Eye.
Cardenas tells the story of his project, “ I grew up in the days when we were always in the streets, and I continuously explore my urban landscape, always searching for moments in time that I hope to make last forever. This project is a true culmination of community, from the images themselves to the people who came together to fund this landmark project. I call it MAS ACA to honor how photography has brought me even closer to this sense of place with a deep connection to community.”
About the Artist: Rafael Cardenas, raised in East Los Angeles and based in Boyle Heights, is a self-taught photographer whose powerful black and white images explore his relationship with the streets of his beloved Los Angeles. His work shows a duality in both the subjects he captures and the art form he uses sitting on the edge of art and documentation, of photography and photojournalism. His newly released photography book, MAS ACA has been published after a successful Kickstarter campaign, documenting the often overlooked faces and scenes around the City. Cardenas is one of five selected artists of the 2016 LA Metro Lightbox Project with his Anonymous series currently installed in the Hollywood-Highland metro station. His work will be featured in an exhibition with artist, Sonia Romero at Avenue 50 on September 10. He is currently working on capturing stories of Los Angeles backyard celebrations with his Summer2016 project. www.rafa.la
About the Exhibition: Book launch and MAS ACA exhibition is happening in a three-part opening celebration along E.1st street in Boyle Heights starting at 5 pm on July 8, 2016.
5 pm - 7 pm Primera Taza Pre-program coffee and casual conversation with the artist [1850 1/2 E 1st St Los Angeles, CA 90033]
7 pm - 10 pm Espacio 1839 MAS ACA Book Launch and Exhibition with 8 pm artist talk [1839 E 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90033]
10 pm - 2 am Eastside Luv Book Launch Afterparty [1835 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033]
Get the Book: Original hardback limited signed and number edition currently available at www.rafa.la with soft copy edition coming soon.
Media Contact: Tanya Diaz, 510-984-4947 tanya@atravesarte.com
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