Movies

A new photo project with work from Sofia Coppola, Jack Antonoff and more raises money for wildfire victims.

BBG News

The deer look pensive, almost like they know what’s coming.

As a movie enthusiast, in Spike Jonze’s “Family,” I find myself gazing upon a black-and-white snapshot where two creatures boldly confront the lens, while another peers up at them, nestled on a hillside that overlooks a palm tree and towering metropolis skyline. It’s a captivating juxtaposition of nature and city life – an intriguing blend of appeal and peril that Los Angeles so effortlessly embodies.

Following the destructive wildfires in January, these images are frequently on the minds of many Angelenos. Yet, there’s also an yearning for vivid escapism, after the continuous stream of devastation we experienced. The California Picture Project, a recently launched high-quality photo series and fundraiser by a trio of L.A. music industry executives and creative directors, provides a space for both somber reflections and vibrant distraction.

Niki Roberton, RCA Records’ senior vice president of creative, stated, “At first, I believe everyone was stunned when it occurred. Our friends and families at our daughter’s school had lost their homes. We urgently wanted to volunteer but didn’t know how. Fortunately, we had Spike Jonze, Sofia Coppola, and Dave Free – extraordinary creatives who were eager to join us. This was the quickest way for us to utilize our talents to provide aid.

Music

I had the privilege of attending the FireAid benefit concerts at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, where I was joined by countless others to witness electrifying performances by Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Green Day, Stevie Wonder, and numerous other artists. Mikael Wood and August Brown were there too, sharing in the unforgettable experience of these incredible concerts for a great cause.

From February 28th to March 9th, a collection of prints, each available for purchase at $150, will be on offer. This assortment gathers over a dozen images donated by various esteemed fine-art photographers such as Richard Kern and Petra Collins, as well as renowned musicians including Kim Gordon and Jack Antonoff.

Some of the images are chilling reminders, or haunting records, of the disaster itself. In “Luctor et Emergo” by Martine Syms, we see a fireplace that was once part of a burned-house, now graffitied with “Mama Didn’t Raise No Quitters.” On the other hand, Maddy Rotman’s “Emily Outside the Altadena House” depicts a pregnancy amidst a neighborhood now infamous for destruction.

However, many of the photos are purely abstract or casual shots of celebrities. For those longing for a blast from the mid-2000s, you can acquire a Cobrasnake depiction of Paris Hilton or Theo Liu’s image of Kylie Jenner being devoured by a massive insect as a keepsake.

In simpler terms, some images show André 3000 playing the flute to amazed schoolchildren or fashion icon Rick Owens relaxing in an oversized unmade bed; there’s also a picture of Danny Trejo eating grapes by Nadia Lee Cohen, as well as Moses Sumney in a striking black-and-white self-portrait. Other images are inspired by renowned creative directors like Stillz (who has worked with Bad Bunny) or designer Wales Bonner.

Music

Sadly, it was a tragic turn of events that the Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed not one but two L.A. neighborhoods that were particularly notable in the city’s music scene.

As a movie lover who’s been deeply affected by recent events, I can say that the devastating wildfires will undeniably inspire a wave of artistic expression in the coming years. They tragically consumed two vibrant neighborhoods with strong links to music and creativity – Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Iconic recording studios and humble abodes of working artists went up in flames, leaving a profound impact on our cultural landscape.

While these fires were merciless, they sparked an incredible response from within the music industry. They stepped up to help rebuild affected lives, organizing events like the FireAid benefit concert and making recovery efforts a central theme at the Grammys.

Joe Mortimer, a creative executive at Capitol Records, remarked that the year had an unusual, chaotic, and frightening beginning. Given the city’s usual detached feel, he noted that this sudden event made everyone feel surprisingly connected. It was as if people transitioned from fear and apprehension to optimism about their community, and then to hopefulness about what they could achieve together and how they could utilize their skills in their work.

The primary goal of the California Photo Project was less about capturing destruction and more about generating substantial funds for the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund. It also aimed to showcase diverse perspectives from artists who have ties to L.A. Currently, discussions are underway to convert this project into a book. Some images might also be suitable for display on walls. For instance, Oliver Hadlee Pearch’s “Lyndsey Wixson, LA,” depicts a radiant woman in a car overflowing with flowers.

Essentially, Cameron Parkins, an artist manager at All Our Dreams, stated that although the primary objective is to garner as much funds as feasible, it’s crucial to consider the current circumstances. “It’s a delicate balance,” he said, “but the photographers truly excelled in this delicate situation.

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2025-02-28 14:32

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