The Oakland Street Photographers Who Elevate the Everyday
When I walked into Oakland Photo Workshop last month for the opening of their current show, NOTICE (which is on view now until June 23, so don’t sleep on it!), I knew I was in for a treat. I was already following the featured artists and was lucky to connect with a few of them months before at a Cameras and Coffees Club meetup.
And even though I expected the work to be good, after a first glance around the gallery, my jaw hit the floor and stayed there. The level of sensitivity, cohesion, and vulnerability of subjects in the show stopped me in my tracks. It was a feast for my eyes from a distance, and even more so up close. NOTICE had me in my feelings immediately.
What I love most about this show is how artfully it flows together. Walking through the gallery felt like being inside a street scene itself. Passing each photo, I was transported into a moment of reflection, a slice of life being played out right before my eyes. Every artist’s work in the show is visually arresting on its own, frame by frame, and also as a complete set of images. The whole show is also a well-orchestrated conversation happening among the photographers that both complements and contrasts in a deeply satisfying way.
The beauty of the everyday reigns supreme here. The mundane moments we often overlook are exalted. Public transit entrances appear like portals to worlds unknown, silhouettes tell stories that are both personal and universal, a reflection in a subway train window connects two huddled strangers together like family, and a front stoop scene, filled with a cast of characters, each caught in their own moment, gives any Renaissance painting a run for its money in terms composition and emotional impact. At every turn this show makes you sit up and take notice.
With my head still buzzing with echos of this show, I was fortunate to connect with OAK-SPC photographer and one of the show’s lead curators, pablo circa, to answer questions about this touching work:
Q: How did the concept for this show come about? Tell us more about the theme, NOTICE.
I came up the concept of NOTICE during a trip to Mexico City while ruminating on a theme for the group photography show. Due to a language barrier, I had to pay close attention to body language, signage, posters, graffiti, and “notices” to navigate the city. I was faced with a more advanced version of my photography practice at home. While on the trip, I gained perspective on the common theme among all photographers: the act of noticing.
Q: What do you want people to leave this show feeling? What is the overarching message of this work?
I want people to leave the show feeling empowered to slow down and to notice the magnificence of the current moment and the chaotic beauty of life that surrounds us at all times.
“I want people to leave the show feeling empowered to slow down and to notice the magnificence of the current moment and the chaotic beauty of life that surrounds us at all times.”
Q: Tell us about Cameras and Coffee Club and Oakland Street Photography Collective (OAK-SPC). How does community play a role in your work and this show?
Cameras and Coffee Club meetups are monthly gatherings that bring together photographers, filmmakers, and multidisciplinary creatives with the goal of growing a vibrant local community that promotes networking, collaboration, and philanthropy. Our gatherings take place at local cafes, galleries, and camera shops with a selection of quality indie coffees, art, and cameras.
OAK-SPC, established in 2023, is a tight-knit community of Oakland street photographers dedicated to showcasing the vibrancy of life in public areas through their craft.
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Our mission is to document local events, people, places, and culture in Oakland. By offering resources and a learning hub, OAK-SPC aims to empower and support community members to showcase, discuss, and exchange their street photography. Our goal is to deepen everyone’s grasp and love for the craft of street photography.
Attendees at the NOTICE opening reception. Photo credit: Kevin Allen for Oakland Photo Workshop
Q: What is your approach to street photography? How do you like to frame your subjects?
All of my work is a product of emotional resonance and curiosity. My camera is a tool to transform moments that move me into photographs. I can then sit with that moment and try to learn more about myself and the world around me.
“All of my work is a product of emotional resonance and curiosity. My camera is a tool to transform moments that move me into photographs.”
Q: The show is really well-curated. Not just as a whole but also in the individual artists’ work. Tell us about the process of putting it all together.
The curation reflects the artists and their interpretation of the theme NOTICE. All ten artists submitted 4-5 works, most of which were selected to appear in the show. As curator, I allow my instincts and intuition to lead. Utilizing themes of reflection and direction that I derived from the photos played a prominent role in curating the show.
Q: The group also put together a gorgeous zine. How does this publication work with the show? Where can people get a copy?
It’s always been our intention to create a zine featuring our collective work. The zine expands on the NOTICE theme including works featured in the show as well as additional photographs that elaborate on the individual artist’s body of work.
The zines are currently available for purchase at Oakland Photo Workshop and all Cameras and Coffee meetups.
OAK-SPC artist Brandon Ruffin at the NOTICE opening reception. Photo credit: Kevin Allen for Oakland Photo Workshop
Q: What other projects, other than your own, are exciting you right now? Are there any artists you would like to work with in the future?
I’m really excited about Paulie B’s Walkie Talkie video series. There’s something special about hearing the thoughts and intentions of street photographers while they’re immersed in their chosen spaces to work. I’ve gathered so many gems on how to approach life on the street and move through fear while creating compelling work.
a day with Andre D. Wagner — NYC Street Photography — Walkie Talkie ep. 16
As far as artists, I’d like to work with Bradford Young and Malik Sayeed. They are both amazing cinematographers who inspire me to keep care, intention, and representation at the forefront while photographing black skin.
Q: Why did you choose to show this work at Oakland Photo Workshop? What was it like working with East Bay Photo Collective?
EBPCO reached out to express their support of the Camera and Coffee meetups and expressed their interest in collaborating with OAK-SPC. Over the course of multiple conversations, [EBPCO Co-Executive Director] Vince Donovan asked me if I had any interest in curating a six-week show at the Oakland Photo Workshop.
A group show had been a topic of discussion amongst the collective, so when the opportunity was presented it was an easy decision. Working with EBPCO has been a rewarding experience due to the alignment on fostering and supporting the development of the community. They have a terrific staff and offer all sorts of workshops, events, and spaces to members as well as the public.
Q: Where can we see more of your work?
You can see more of my work online at pablocirca.com, on Instagram @pablocirca, and at Photoworks SF GUEST magazine.
OAK-SPC artists and NOTICE opening reception guests. Photo credit: Kevin Allen for Oakland Photo Workshop
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NOTICE is on view at Oakland Photo Workshop Gallery (312 8th Street, Oakland) from now until June 23 featuring works by pablo circa, Ariel Mason, Bradley Fowl, Brandon Ruffin, Demondre Ward, Elvin Catley, Kristian Salum, Najee Tobin, Tare Sang, and Rudi Tcruz.
The gallery is open Fridays and Saturdays 12:00 – 6:00 PM and Sundays 12:00 – 3:00 PM.
Their closing reception will be on Friday, June 21 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM.
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