THE BLADES PROJECT

The Blades Project, rollerblading - freestyle street shooting B&W 35mm capturing the idiosyncratic motifs and spellbinding essence of early 90s Hollywood.

<REVIEW>

As a fan of Baudelaire, it is only natural I would share his artistic taste.

 So, like him, I believe great works are compromised of artists embracing their environment while attempting to capture its unadulterated essence. I have been exposed to the work of a couple of photographers who embrace what I have just spoken of. Back in the early 90's they set off to literally blaze a trail on their rollerblades taking pictures unlike any style seen before, or since. 

The Blades Project brilliantly captures the idiosyncratic motifs of the Hollywood underbelly. All walks of life are displayed, from tourists mesmerized by the star walk, to the jaded souls lost by the temptations of the seductively ferocious neighborhood. With a display of lure and grit existing next to each another, they successfully captured the spellbinding essence of the Boulevard. Strapping on their skates, blading on every inch of pavement with pocket cameras in hand, freestyle shooting from the hip, and the only goal of not stopping to frame a shot; Karl Owens and D. Green seized what I think to be the most riveting street photos ever seen.

Since they had no agenda or restriction it was possible for them to be entrenched in the moment. This lack of agenda is exhibited by the honesty in each photo. 

By shucking photographic convention, they were able to create a deviously wonderful collection that captures a Hollywood some would like to forget. But, to forget ones history hinders the ability to appreciate and understand the cultural identity of the world that surrounds them. Therefore, through their commitment to honest documentation, they have crafted work of aesthetic and cultural value.  

How this work has been under the radar all these whiles is bewildering; lucky for us time has come to surface!

Justin, formerly of The Traveling Gentleman (current whereabouts unknown)