About this Book

"Michael Rababy is the photo curator at the Hive Gallery in DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles) and a very astute, creative individual. He thought we needed to turn our attention to positive thinking in these pandemic times. And indeed, there is much to love about California at any time: sunshine, beaches, an easy-going lifestyle, a mostly progressive attitude, the entertainment world, and much more. After a successful exhibition of photographs on the theme "California Love," Rababy thought up this book idea as a permanent testimonial, and made the proceeds benefit our highly regarded Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP). The curator's touch is evident: while some of the images are iconic interpretations requiring an entire page, others are combined to reflect special narratives that are self-contained stories to contemplate. Several such examples are shown below: Richard S. Chow relives fun at the beach through the eyes of his son; Aline Smithson flirts with the glamor of nearby Hollywood through dreamy recreations; Safi Alia Shabaik captures performers in the seemingly lost art of burlesque; Fred Brashear Jr. prints his portraits of Joshua (yucca) trees on paper he hand-makes from such downed trees. And yes, there are also many images with scenes featuring regular palm trees. So here is your opportunity get the work of some 110 photographers, some of whom are familiar to you from the PhotoBook Journal, to dream about California, and for a most reasonable price, without wearing a mask, in the comfort of your home. Go for it, your coffee table is waiting ..."--