Las Fotos Project presents: NELAL3NZ - OPENING RECEPTION
Join us for the NELAL3NZ Opening Reception at Truly LA!
Minors are allowed before 8pm during business hours. Minors will received an “X” on their hands and are strictly prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages on the premises.
About the exhibition:
NELAL3NZ’s artistic journey echoes the powerful sentiments expressed by Gordon Parks, who viewed the camera as a weapon against societal injustices. Drawing inspiration from creative luminaries like Mister Cartoon, Estevan Oriol, and Veteranas and Rucas (Guadalupe Rosales), NELAL3NZ’s photography is a heartfelt tribute to their community.
Rep Ya Roots becomes a rallying cry in NELAL3NZ’s work, highlighting the authenticity of Brown LA Natives who were trendsetters before receiving that recognition. NELAL3NZ becomes a pioneer in crafting art that defies preexisting boxes, a testament to the resilience and creativity inherent in the community.
Amidst the urban landscape of LA, NELAl3NZ becomes a storyteller, creating an ongoing archive that celebrates the beauty and power of the community. In a city that fosters forward-thinking individuals with diverse backgrounds, NELAL3NZ’s work stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of everyone's stories, emphasizing the unity that binds the diverse tapestry of Los Angeles.
About NELAL3NZ:
NELAL3NZ (b. 2001, Los Angeles) is a Queer First-generation Photographer, born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles. Growing up in the historically Latino but rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of Glassell Park, NELAL3NZ utilizes photography and their personal knowledge to advocate for and preserve the evolving world around them.
Working across documentary photography, portraiture, fashion, and incorporating their family's photographs, NELAL3NZ crafts an ongoing archive of the city they call home. This artistic endeavor emphasizes the beauty and power inherent in their community, serving as both a celebration and preservation of its unique identity.
Beyond their personal projects, NELAL3NZ is deeply involved with Las Fotos Project, a Los Angeles-based photography non-profit dedicated to empowering teenage girls and gender non-conforming youth. As a Teaching Artist Assistant, NELAL3NZ plays a crucial role in guiding participants, supporting project development, and assisting teachers to ensure a seamless learning experience.
NELAL3NZ’s passion for photography stems from perseverance and an unwavering commitment to documenting moments within LA and among its native communities. Looking ahead 20 years, NELAL3NZ envisions a future where their loved ones and community can reflect on these captured moments, now preserved within the archival tapestry of Los Angeles.
Event Details
Thursday, February 29, 2024
6 - 8 pm
Truly LA
216 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012