Los Angeles 3 1996

Madoka Takagi's "Los Angeles 3" uses the photographic process to find a certain dreamlike quality in a familiar urban landscape. The image is rendered in soft shades of grey, almost like a memory fading at the edges. Looking closely, you can see how the light falls unevenly, creating pockets of deep shadow, which gives the picture an almost surreal depth. The palm trees, stark against the sky, have a sculptural presence, like dark monuments. What I find interesting is how the texture of the image feels, almost tangible. The film grain and the imperfections in the print become part of the story. It's this visible process that invites you in, creating a space for your imagination to wander. The whole image has a stillness and quiet observation which reminds me of some of the work by Ed Ruscha, especially his photographic books. Takagi’s photographs aren’t just documents; they're invitations to pause, to reflect, and to see the world around us with fresh eyes.