Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmine.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My photographic journey began as a means to fulfill a general education requirement at Cerritos College. However, the experience was transformative. Under the guidance of the remarkable Professor Christina Fernandez, my appreciation for the medium blossomed. I became captivated by the power of the lens to frame my personal perspective, appreciating the discipline it demands and the imperative to observe one’s surroundings with intense scrutiny. This initial training taught me to not only look but to acknowledge and appreciate the very ground I stand on.
I carried this deepened sense of inquiry into my studies at Sacramento State. Here, professors like Eliza Gregory, Doug Dertinger, and Nick Shepard were instrumental in expanding my understanding of photography beyond technique, introducing me to its capacity for community engagement and diverse ways of being.
Furthering this research, I pursued an MFA in Fine Arts at Otis College of Art and Design. Leveraging newly acquired resources and advanced research skills, I dove deeper into the concept of community. The curriculum, faculty, and community played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. Faculty members such as Kade Twist, Kori Newkirk, von curtis, and many others played a pivotal role in shaping my practice and pushing me to new heights. Today, I utilize photography as a primary mode of storytelling, dedicating my practice to narratives that explore and articulate the human experience within shared spaces.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our community has endured significant struggles, spanning from acute financial burdens to the pervasive challenges of gentrification. This transformation is not unique to us; it is a shared experience impacting countless groups nationwide. The neighborhoods we once cherished are rapidly changing their character and the demographics they serve. I felt a compelling responsibility to document this shift. The memories and history of our neighborhood feel as fragile as an ancient, unrecorded text at risk of being lost forever.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographic storyteller, but one who actively seeks to shatter the medium’s traditional boundaries. My practice is a deliberate rejection of the “preciousness” that traditionally surrounds photography. I believe a photograph should be treated for what it fundamentally is: a mutable, reproducible piece of paper.
I liberate my images from the conventional restrictions of framing and borders. My process is intentionally “violent” and visceral. I take my finished prints, turn them on their side, and drive nails directly through the surface. The nails are not hidden; they are the sole, raw fasteners holding the image in place. This technique creates a compelling tension—a battle between the inherent objecthood of the print and the desire to elevate it into something more meaningful.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I have an enduring love for Los Angeles. Having been born and raised here, I’ve had the great privilege of experiencing the rich community spirit and remarkable diversity that defines this metropolitan heart. The genuine love and dedication Angelenos have for our city is an inspiring force.
That being said, to truly honor this city, we must acknowledge where improvement is necessary. I believe the one area demanding immediate focus is our local governance. Essential city upkeep has been neglected; our roads, public transit system, and at times, public safety all require substantial investment and better management.
While I remain deeply proud to call LA my home, the path to a better future requires us to be honest about our current challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jazhernandezsanc.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaz.photo18/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaz.photo18
Image Credits
Photo Credits for projection photo: Jess Star
