Jerry Hsu's Eerie Photo of Black Smoke Rising from LA Street Grate
Photographer Jerry Hsu discusses his striking image of black smoke emerging from a street grate in downtown Los Angeles, captured in 2011 or 2012 shortly after he moved to the city. The smoke, caused by an underground fire, created a cinematic and eerie scene that Hsu likened to a devil appearing. Hsu, who grew up in San Jose, a sprawling suburb, moved to LA to escape depression and to be with his future wife, who also disliked San Jose. He describes the moment as one of those spontaneous urban occurrences, and reflects on the powerful feeling of surrender he experiences while photographing, submitting to the authority of ignorance. The image is part of his broader work documenting urban environments and personal experiences.
Key facts
- Photograph taken in 2011 or 2012 in downtown Los Angeles.
- Shows black smoke emerging from a street grate due to an underground fire.
- Hsu moved to LA from San Jose shortly before the photo.
- Hsu's future wife also did not want to live in San Jose.
- Hsu describes the scene as 'hilariously cinematic' and eerie.
- Hsu grew up in San Jose, a sprawling American suburb.
- Hsu feels a powerful sense of surrender when photographing.
- The image is featured in The Guardian's 'Best photograph' series.
Entities
Artists
- Jerry Hsu
Institutions
- The Guardian
Locations
- Los Angeles
- San Jose