Carlos Jaramillo - South Central - Singed

Amid the enclaves and landscapes that define South Central, one of Los Angeles’ largest neighborhoods, photographer Carlos Jaramillo reveals a richness that elevates ordinary encounters into profound narratives. Jaramillo’s approach is deeply personal, aiming to create images that participants can take pride in and pass down to future generations. By ensuring each subject receives a copy of their portrait, he underscores their ownership and agency in how they are represented.

As a neighborhood, South Central transcends geography, becoming a broader regional identifier intertwined with a complex history. A nexus for Civil Rights activism, Black Arts movements, and jazz innovation, South Central’s cultural contributions have had lasting national and global impacts. However, toward the latter half of the 20th century, media portrayals typified the neighborhood to a caricature of crime and decay, obscuring its multivalent identity. Jaramillo navigates these dualities with care. His refined, subdued images bring clarity and dignity to the space, inviting viewers to engage with sincerity and empathy. Jaramillo’s ongoing series, "South Central," offers a nuanced exploration of the people and landscapes of South Central Los Angeles, reflecting its multivalent spirit.

– Little Big Man Books

Saddle stitched
Silkscreened cover
290 x 210 mm
Limited Edition (200)
Signed & numbered
Published by Little Big Man Books