Skaters, Car Tuners and Tattoos

Gregory Bojorquez’s new solo exhibition is currently on show at Cologne’s Bene Taschen Gallery, continuing until September 17, 2022. The American photographer started taking pictures in the 1990s, documenting everyday life in Los Angeles, where he was born in 1972. He quickly became known for his images of local subcultures such as skaters, car tuners and gang members. ‘Hang Time’ shows his friends and neighbours living ‘la vida loca’ – the crazy life – whose visual expression can be seen in, for example, their clothes, graffiti and tattoos.

At the time, East L.A. – a multi-cultural area marked by an intense co-existence of joy, violence and death – was known for its high crime rate and numerous parallel societies. Bojorquez´s works offer a fascinating look at the complexities of this part of the city. As a documentarian, he draws on his personal connections in the community, photographing an insular world where loyalty and personal bonds are highly valued. With his analogue camera, he captures the realities of people whose lives often receive little attention due to their social environment.

For further information visit
Galerie Bene Taschen
Gregory Bojorquez