Michael Jang’s California

Originally published in Bob Cut Mag - October 2019

Tucked away at the corner of 25th and Minnesota Street, McEvoy Foundation for the Arts curates a multitude of art exhibitions in their impressive space. On deck this season is the work of Michael Jang, a longtime documentarian of California life, particularly that of San Francisco and its various subcultures.

A student at California Institute of the Arts and the San Francisco Art Institute back in the 1970s, Jang demonstrated an exacting ability to capture both the quotidian and the outrageously unique of a wide range of cultural and political subjects, ranging from nameless locals to well-known celebrities and back again. His work is natural, unforced, and incredibly moving. It provides a real glimpse into an iconic time period that feels so far removed from our lives today.

The exhibit, “Michael Jang’s California,” explicitly showcases the photographer’s close-up study of Northern California during the 1960s-1970s through his street photography and portraits. Walking through the gallery, one may be overwhelmed and struck in disbelief of just how many monumental moments Jang was present for during these two pivotal decades in Californian – and American – history. In his photos, he captures the sadness of our city: the funeral of George Moscone, the assassination of Harvey Milk.

He also captures the pulsating life: front row at a Ramones concert, Frank Sinatra and Ronald Reagan partying at the Beverly Hilton. He captures the state of California, and San Francisco in particular, at a time when society had convinced itself it was wild and free and uninhibited. Through his photos, we see both the truth and exaggeration of this concept; a society on the verge, a society at the cusp of no return.

There are no screens in his photos, no cell phones, no constant and immediate distraction. It’s the same streets, the same bus lines, the same landmarks we live out our lives in each day of the week. Remembering the city like this, so devoid of futuristic technology or gentrification, is a grounding experience.

Altogether the verdict is this: Michael Jang is one of the greats. It’s about time you’ve heard of him.