April 28, 2018 - July 28, 2018
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.
Rafael Cardenas was born in Jalisco, Mexico and raised in East Los Angeles. His work has been presented in solo exhibitions at Eastside Luv and Espacio 1839, and in group exhibitions at Avenue 50 Studio, La Bodega Gallery, Self Help Graphics & Art, and the Vincent Price Art Museum. Cardenas is a self-taught photographer who has been practicing since 2010. A publication of his works, MAS ACA: Further Here, was released in 2016.
