In the years 2011 or 2012, on an ordinary day in Los Angeles, a photographer named Jerry Hsu was wandering the streets of downtown with his camera. Suddenly, thick black smoke rises from a vent in the street, as if an underground fire has flared up and disrupted the world around it. This scene appears strangely cinematic and mysterious, as if a demon is emerging from the heart of this smoke.
The City, a Living Being with Untold Stories
Jerry recalls how this image created a sense of liberation within him. He says, "When I take photographs, I somehow surrender to ignorance. It’s a powerful feeling that arises in those unexpected moments." He, who grew up in San Jose, moved to Los Angeles due to depression and to build a better future. He met a wife who also did not want to stay in San Jose.
For him, Los Angeles is not just a city, but a collection of places where, with every 15 minutes of driving, one can reach a completely different environment; from beaches to mountains. This diversity of places gives him a strange feeling; as if the city has a kind of consciousness, if you let it draw you in.
Photography as an Emotional Experience
He talks about this indescribable feeling that drives him to move, saying, "I have a strange longing to get in the car and go to new places." This feeling pushes him towards photography and compels him to capture the beauties and complexities of the city he lives in. For him, photography is not just a job; it is a way to connect with the world around him.
His images not only capture moments but also depict deep human and social stories. Each photo has a story that may have been hidden from view at that moment. This is how the photographer searches for truth in the black and mysterious smoke, striving to narrate his world through the lens of his camera.
Source: theguardian.com
