WAITING FOR THE BUS, BENCH SIGNS

PLASTIC SURGERY AS STATUS SYMBOL

Similar to body piercing or anorexia, plastic surgery has an aesthetic all its own, and it has little to do with looking younger, or restoring former beauty. Instead, it is all about looking like plastic surgery has been done.

PLASTIC SURGERY & AGING

When younger people get face lifts, Botox, and bad nose jobs it frequently makes them look older than they are. This is because the recognizable nerve damage, facial paralysis, and deformity that accompany such procedures are primarily associated with old age. This is also because the plastic surgery aesthetic used to be more exclusive to an older crowd.

FROM STONE TO FLESH

ABOVE, The Goddess Sarasvati, 1153
MIDDLE, Anime figurine, 2007
BELOW, Heidi Montag, 2007

WEATHER GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS

THE CAR CHASE

The live broadcast of car chases on local Los Angeles television affiliates is the most exciting programming around, even though very little actually happens during these pursuits. What sets the chase apart from other programming is its contrary format. Unlike other live events, chases unfold entirely on camera. They start in the middle, have no predictable end, and can last for hours. And although they tend to be visually monotonous, usually shot as a single long take, their improvised commentary (collaboratively provided by anchors, reporters, and police) is highly entertaining.

TRAFFIC & WEATHER

In Los Angeles, where sunshine is the norm, conversations about weather have been replaced with conversations about traffic.

FERRARI IN TRAFFIC

NUMBER 44

RAINBOW OVER GOLDEN ARCHES

SHOOTING STARS

Given the amount of light pollution in Los Angeles, it is very difficult to see shooting stars. But, numerous trails from planes taking off from numerous regional and international airports can be seen at any one time.

CAT ON MATTRESS

RABBIT ON SIDEWALK, NEAR FAIRFAX & WILSHIRE

KOI POND IN DOWNTOWN LA PARKING LOT

PORK STOMACH

THE AESTHETICS OF SORROW, LOST NOT MISSING

Lost dogs frequently appear isolated and sad in their posters even though the pictures were presumably taken during a happier time.

CURB YOUR DOG

SHIT

CHIHUAHUA

CHICKEN FEET