"Hang Time", a solo show by Gregory Bojorquez, at Galerie Bene Taschen, Cologne

Amber “Pebbles" & "Bad Girl”, East L.A., 1999 © Gregory Bojorquez, courtesy Galerie Bene Taschen

On 9 June 2022, Galerie Bene Taschen in Cologne opens the new solo show Hang Time by Gregory Bojorquez. The American photographer started taking pictures in the 1990s, documenting everyday life in East 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 neighbors living la vida loca, the crazy life, expressed in their tattoos, clothes, graffiti, and more.

Multicultural East L.A., an area marked by joy, violence, and death, was known at the time for its high crime rate and its many 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 because of their social environment.

Friday Night at Monk’s, Twickenham Ave, East L.A., 1997, © Gregory Bojorquez, Courtesy Galerie Bene Taschen

Alongside images depicting carefree yard parties, friendship, love, and family, Bojorquez’s images often capture moments of death and personal loss. To this day, Bojorquez continues to document the multifaceted and changing face of life in East Los Angeles.

The book Eastsiders, from which many works are on display in Hang Time, was published by LITTLE BIG MAN in 2022. On 10 June 2022, Bojorquez’s works will also be shown at the Heppenheim Kunstverein.

5th Street, East L.A., 1998 © Gregory Bojorquez, courtesy Galerie Bene Taschen

On view from 10 June to 17 September 2022 at Galerie Bene Taschen, Moltkestraße 81, Cologne

Epstein’s Muffler Shop, Whittier Blvd., Montebello, 1998 © Gregory Bojorquez, courtesy Galerie Bene Taschen

Sunday “Barbeque”, Bonnie Beach Place & 6th Street, East L.A., 1998 © Gregory Bojorquez, courtesy Galerie Bene Taschen