Glendale Library, Arts & Culture, in collaboration with ReflectSpace, is excited to present Projecting L.A. 2024, a vibrant photographic project offering a unique and intimate portrayal of Los Angeles, its multifaceted communities, and its sprawling streets. The exhibition, conceived by renowned photographer and educator Julia Dean, will be on display from October 5 to December 8, 2024, at ReflectSpace, located within the Glendale Central Library.
Projecting L.A. showcases the work of a diverse array of photographers, capturing the essence of Los Angeles through the lenses of photojournalism, documentary, and street photography. The project transcends cultural, socio-political, generational, and geographical boundaries, presenting a colorful and sometimes chaotic view of the city. This expansive collection features powerful visual stories that span topics from the city’s fentanyl crisis to behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood, from the legacy of Marilyn Monroe to the raw energy of Venice Beach. Other subjects include underground wrestling, Latino street gangs, a midwife-led delivery unit, and everyday moments like the joys of childhood.
The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between an impressive roster of photographers, including Pulitzer Prize winners and celebrated photojournalists from prestigious outlets like the Associated Press, Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters. The contributors to Projecting L.A. range from seasoned war photographers to Emmy Award-winning artists, presenting an expansive view of the city.
The project made its public debut on April 27, 2024, in an outdoor projection screening in Chinatown. Over 2,000 attendees gathered to witness the photographs displayed on the side of a three-story building, transforming the streets of Los Angeles into an open-air gallery. The ReflectSpace iteration of Projecting L.A. will offer a more intimate experience, bringing these dynamic images indoors.
Julia Dean, the visionary behind the project, spoke about the importance of street photography: “What better way is there to show off powerful street, documentary, and news stories about Los Angeles and its people than on the street and through projection? The work is outstanding. Prepare yourself to be inspired.”
The exhibition features the works of both contemporary and veteran photographers, including Karen Ballard, Jill Connelly, Laurie Freitag, Amy Gaskin, David Ingraham, Jamie Johnson, Sarah Reingewirtz, Richard Smith, David Swanson, Richard Vogel, Jason Williams, Richard McCloskey, Don Weinstein, Cristina Salvador Klenz, and Robert Yager. Special guests include actor Jeff Bridges, Susan Bridges, Ringo Chiu, Larry Hirshowitz, Christina House, Estevan Oriol, Francine Orr, and Allen J. Schaben.
The exhibit is co-curated by Julia Dean, along with Daniel Sackheim and Ara & Anahid Oshagan. An opening reception will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
About Julia Dean
Julia Dean is an acclaimed photographer, educator, and writer who founded and led the Los Angeles Center of Photography for 22 years. She has dedicated much of her career to street photography, with a particular focus on downtown Los Angeles. Dean has published her work in numerous magazines and authored the award-winning children’s book A Year on Monhegan Island. Her educational background includes degrees from the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Nebraska.
About Daniel Sackheim
Daniel Sackheim is an Emmy Award-winning director and producer known for his work on series such as True Detective, Game of Thrones, Ozark, and The Americans. His passion for film noir continues to influence both his directorial and photographic work. Sackheim is also the co-founder of Bedrock Entertainment, a production company that develops content for streaming services and premium cable platforms.
