California
The strange suburban mundanity of San Fernando Valley’s porn industry
The Valley — Legendary photographer Larry Sultan grew up in the northern Los Angeles suburb, which also happened to be the 20th century epicentre of the country’s adult film industry. Spending days on set shooting life behind the scenes, his now-canon series blurred fantasy, desire and domesticity.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Brick rattling memories of San Francisco’s skateboarding golden age
EPICENTER — In the early ’90s, the city’s scene revolved around the Embarcadero Plaza, or EMB as it was lovingly known. Now, with the area facing redevelopment, a new book by Jacob Rosenberg immortalises its heyday.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Ed Templeton’s new Toy Machine skate deck sets KKK on fire
Burning racism — It comes via his long running skate company and features a cartoon graphic of a klansman alight on a cross, as well as a broken swastika.
Written by: Isaac Muk
In photos: California’s youth squaring up to an uncertain future
Desperate, Scared, But Social — Amid a tumultuous year in the Golden State, the 2025 California Biennial focuses on those coming of age into an intensifying climate crisis, and widening division and inequality.
Written by: Miss Rosen
‘Everyday’ Dale Webster, who surfed 14,626 consecutive days, has died
The Daily Wavester — He passed aged 77, having rode at least three waves a day between 1975 and 2015.
Written by: Isaac Muk
An insider’s view of California’s outdoor cruising spots
Outside Sex — Daniel Case’s new photobook explores the public gay sex scene, through a voyeuristic lens, often hidden just below plain sight.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Nostalgic photos of everyday life in ’70s San Francisco
A Fearless Eye — Having moved to the Bay Area in 1969, Barbara Ramos spent days wandering its streets, photographing its landscape and characters. In the process she captured a city in flux, as its burgeoning countercultural youth movement crossed with longtime residents.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In photos: 14 years of artist Love Bailey’s life and transition
Dancing on the Fault Line — Photographer Nick Haymes’s new book explores a decade-plus friendship with the Californian artist and activist, drawing intimate scenes from thousands of pictures.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In photos: the dogs of Dogtown
A new photobook documents Venice Beach’s four legged friends and their colourful cast of owners.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Fragile, intimate portraits of California’s imprisoned youth
New monograph ‘A Poor Imitation of Death’ documents and humanises the stories of seven young Californian inmates, aged between 16 and 20 years old, who were tried as adults despite being juveniles.
Written by: Isaac Muk
A poignant vignette of West Coast living
On the road — In a three-week-long road trip, photographer Owen Tozer and journalist Matt Barr document the influence of Californian board sports culture.
Written by: Matt Barr
Vince Staples is focused on the bigger picture
Taking trips — With his new self-titled album, the Long Beach rapper has constructed a swelling commentary on adolescence and upbringing. Just don’t expect him to tell you what the message is.
Written by: Christine Ochefu
