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Estevan Oriol is probably the most relevant photographer in our day in age. The man’s work has been featured in such publications as The Source, Juxtapoz Magazine, Mass Appeal (R.I.P.), Complex, Anthem, and Rolling Stone, to name a few. Beyond the newsstands, he has been put in work with Soul Assassins, Joker Brand Clothing, and the production of music videos for most of your favourite emcees.

The man is established (no doubt), so when it was announced that he would be releasing a book titled “L.A. Woman”, a follow-up to his successful 2009 calendar, by the same name, I was more than excited. To not anticipate an Estevan Oriol project is to not appreciate real art.

Obviously with a title like “L.A. Woman” this book is going to be loaded with shots of beautiful women, some with less clothing than others, yet none of that takes away from the overall artistry of these photographs nor do any of the women appear to be exploited. (You know the man is good when he can have a two-page spread of a naked woman and the image does not convey anything pornographic nor sleazy.)

Some of the featured models will be unknown to people outside of Los Angeles yet there are some recognizable faces here such as: Angel Veil (the cover model), DJ Lady Tribe (TKO), Kiana Dior, Joy, Kat Von D (from L.A. Ink), Julia Bond, and Kim Kardashian.

Apart from the women, everything from low-riders, guns, and simple background environments bring added dimension to his photos; they work as extensions of the art rather than distractions.

The use of camera angles, lighting, background environments, and color schemes give this book a more distinct look than other “street art” books on the market today. As a matter of fact, the techniques used surpass what is found in most mainstream photography books, as well. I suggest all aspiring graffiti artists study Estevan’s techniques when documenting their work, for real. We’re living in 2010; your shots shouldn’t look like throwbacks from the Style Wars era. I’M BEING HONEST. Picture quality matters.
Skill and technique are definitely two things Estevan takes serious pride in when presenting his work. In the book’s intro he reminds readers that he does not need the latest software to create his art. He writes: “In case you were wondering these photos were all shot on film and there is no Photoshop. Old school,baby!!!”

Estevan Oriol is the Gordon Parks of our generation.
I state that for the fact that unlike most photographers who film “urban settings”, Estevan has an ability to show what is really happening, in an environment, without exploiting the subjects nor making them look less dignified. In essence, this book is a photo essay on women who showcase strength and confidence without losing their femininity; they exude beauty without appearing artificial. I know that might sound cliché, but it’s real … more real than a lot of the images we see of women on TV or in magazines.

Depending on where you buy this book, you can expect to pay somewhere between $40-$60. Which in all honesty is not bad considering the [photo] quality is stellar and the book itself is bound in a hardcover. I have seen books of lesser quality sell for $100 and more. “L.A. Woman” is an investment well worth the price.
 

GET YOURS! Support real art.


-Matthew J, Contributing Writer