Photography Exhibition Gusmano Cesaretti, Varrio

Italian born artist Gusmano Cesaretti self-taught in photography was one of the first to document the East Los Angeles community in the early 1970s. He created a prolific body of work which introduces viewers to an alternative lifestyle in particular the Graffiti and Lowrider scene. It was through his fascination and curiosity that led Cesaretti to meet members of the East LA’s “Klique” Car Club. Developing a mutual respect and friendship that built over the years as he continued to photograph not only the Lowrider scene but an entire community and their lives. This work is an enduring witness to the past.

Cesaretti’s approach to photography is personal, while using his camera as a tool to create contact, closeness and intimacy. It is an investigation of the emotional states that control us, inspire us, and keep us moving.” The images capture life’s complexities: people, places and the relationships between them. Cesaretti shoots primarily in black and white, creating stark visual and emotional contrasts. The vintage black & white prints on view were originally printed on a now no longer available Japanese photo paper.

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