The Paris Chong Show

Leica Gallery Curator Paris Chong. Hosts a talk show delivered by video + podcast talking with her artsy-fartsy friends...and don't forget Disco, her second son.

  1. 5d ago

    Stephen Vanasco, From 90s Skate Culture to LA Aerials: The Story of Van Styles

    Paris Chong sits down with photographer Stephen Vanasco, also known as Van Styles, to discuss his creative journey from '90s skate culture to fine art photography. Vanasco reflects on how his background in skateboarding instilled a strong "do-it-yourself" ethos, enabling him to build a successful career on his own terms without relying on traditional agencies or managers. He also breaks down his daily shooting approach, explaining why 99.9% of his current work is shot on film using his Leica MP cameras. The conversation delves into Vanasco's standout commercial and personal endeavors, including his permanent 25-print exhibit at the Kith store on Sunset Boulevard and his aerial workshops with Leica Academy USA. Stephen shares details about his main long-term project—a photo book cataloging over ten years of aerial flights above Los Angeles since 2014. Through these aerial views, he captures the changing face of LA’s architecture, landmarks, and urban development in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic Games. Looking to the future, Chong and Vanasco explore ideas for upcoming exhibitions at Leica Gallery LA, brainstorming pairings between high-altitude aerial shots and ground-level street photography. Vanasco finishes with practical advice for emerging creators, encouraging young photographers to experiment with different mediums, avoid rigid routines, and utilize new digital tools to chart their own path. Show Notes: www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/stephen-vanasco-from-90s-skate-culture-to-la-aerials-the-story-of-van-styles Chapters: 00:00 Show Intro 01:09 Meet Stephen Vanasco 02:30 Film Leica Daily Carry 04:48 Aerial Work And LA Book 16:05 Leica Connections Worldwide 17:47 Pop Ups And Olympic Plans 18:34 Portraits Versus Landscapes 20:43 Zines DIY And The Book 25:35 Finding Your Voice And Wrap Up 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

    Stephen Vanasco, From 90s Skate Culture to LA Aerials: The Story of Van Styles
  2. Sep 2

    Rotem Rozental : Art, Activism, and the LA Photography Scene

    Paris sits down with Rotem Rozental, the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) and an accomplished photo historian. Together, they dive into the vital role photography plays in understanding our complex world, discussing how creative expression serves as a necessary tool for both processing personal experiences and fostering public dialogue. Throughout the conversation, Rotem shares her unique perspective on the evolving landscape of documentary photography, specifically highlighting the LACP's "Reservoir" program. This initiative brings artists together to explore profound, universal themes like loneliness, isolation, and resilience in a post-pandemic world. They also tackle the shifting tides of the industry, from the impact of AI on visual storytelling to the importance of maintaining human-centric approaches in our rapidly digitizing environment. Whether you're an established photographer, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who appreciates the power of a captured moment, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where photography is headed. From the nuances of LA’s vibrant creative community to Rotem’s expert insights on archives, history, and the future of the medium, enjoy a rich, inspiring discussion that will change how you look at the images around you. 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com Show Notes: www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/rotem-rozental-art-activism-and-the-la-photography-scene Chapters: 00:00 Show Intro And Guest 01:40 What LACP Does 05:16 LA Crises And Community 07:30 Documentary Shows And Timeline 16:00 Reservoir Loneliness Project 27:02 Amazon Ethics Dilemma 27:30 Tel Aviv Roots and Identity 30:02 Rotem Name Story 31:50 Artist Books and Collage Revival 33:33 AI Copyright and Creative Future

    Rotem Rozental : Art, Activism, and the LA Photography Scene

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Leica Gallery Curator Paris Chong. Hosts a talk show delivered by video + podcast talking with her artsy-fartsy friends...and don't forget Disco, her second son.

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