Cosplay Photographic Exhibit in LA

Date: 2004 October 20 17:42

Posted by Joe

LA otaku are in for a treat from October 28 to November 26 The Perfect Exposure Gallery will be hosting an exhibit on cosplayers or "Photographic portraits of costumed anime fans" to be more exact. Shot at anime conventions around the US and Canada in 2003 and 2004, it sounds a bit like A Fans View only off-line!

Full Story

Press release as follows:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Photo Exhibit Opening

What:
Photo Exhibit – "Starring As…"
Photographic portraits of costumed anime fans by Brian Cahn

Where:
Perfect Exposure Gallery

3513 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020

When:
- Thursday, October 28, 2004, 6-9 pm

- Gallery is Open - Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

- Exhibit Ends – Friday, November 26, 2004

About the Exhibit
Shot at Japanese animation conventions around the US and Canada in 2003 and 2004, "Starring As…" is a series of photographic portraits of "cosplay" (costume play) fans, the theatrical and flamboyant branch on the family tree of "otaku" (extremely devoted anime fans), the ones who design, construct and self-model their homemade costumes and props in homage to their favorite anime, comic, video game and Japanese rock band characters.

Artist Statement
As a photographer, "What's wrong with this picture?" is a question I am forever asking myself as I compose through the viewfinder or struggle with creative choices in trying to make a good print. Given the strong emphasis on costume verisimilitude, and that the recognition and celebration of an especially faithful character costume is indubitably a triumphant moment (I've seen for myself how shouts of "Great Zelgadis!" or "Awesome Chii!" across the convention center lobby can elicit a grateful smile and help validate those long hours put into costume design), it's possible that some anime purists may well gaze at my somewhat less than photorealistic portraits and ask, "What's wrong with this picture?" The answer is: "Nothing. It's merely my art added to your art, my vision merely a variation on a theme of the wearable art of the otaku."

Brian Cahn is a Brooklyn-born photojournalist whose Diane Arbus – inspired interest in American subcultures has led him to photograph gatherings of Elvis impersonators, big game hunters, medieval re-enactors, nude bowlers, square dancers, junior and senior rodeos, twins, street preachers, burlesque performers, drag kings, women's professional football, plus religious, cultural and ethnic festival of every stripe around the United States. He currently shoots for the photo agency World Picture News.

Further information can be found at this site: Click Here: theperfectexposure.com