From picket lines to drag queen dressing rooms, these five views of Los Angeles prove that Chicano photography has always refused to stay in the same lane
Five photographers, one city, and half a century of images that never settled on one way of seeing the City of Angels
A new exhibition at the Getty Center in Los Angeles showcases five Chicano photographers who each captured unique perspectives of the city beyond traditional documentary-style images. The exhibit, Every Minute Is History: Five Views of Los Angeles, features work by Laura Aguilar, Reynaldo Rivera, George Rodriguez, Patssi Valdez, and Ricardo Valverde.
Rodriguez focused on police lines and protest signs, capturing events like the 1966 Sunset Strip riots and United Farm Workers actions. Valdez staged theatrical scenes in her apartment, photographing performers backstage at LA nightclubs. Aguilar centered her work on her own body and family, while Valverde hand-colored prints and painted directly onto them.
The diverse styles of the photographers demonstrate that Chicano/a photography in Los Angeles is varied and unexpected. They didn't adhere to a singular approach but found inspiration in the same communities. The exhibition emphasizes that a community's history is not a monoculture, and those who capture it best often seek out the most intriguing details in the corners and cracks. The show runs from September 1, 2026, to January 3, 2027, and admission is free with timed entry tickets required.
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