Reynaldo Rivera Knihy

Photographs by Reynaldo Rivera capture a lost Los Angeles of affordable rent, house parties, subversive fashion, and underground bands, alongside now-defunct gay and transvestite bars. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Rivera documented the vibrant world he inhabited, featuring locales like Mugi's, The Silverlake Lounge, and La Plaza, many of which have since closed, and many performers have passed away. Yet, through Rivera's lens, these individuals remain alive in a silvery landscape of makeshift cinematic glamour, offering an escape from harsh realities. As a teenager, Rivera sought solace in used bookstores and thrift shops, discovering old photo books of Mexican film stars and the works of Lisette Model, Brassai, and Bresson. Inspired, he purchased a camera and began photographing guests at his hotel. After moving to Echo Park in 1981, he contributed to the LA Weekly. This collection features nearly 200 images curated by Hedi El Kholti and Lauren Mackler, spanning over two decades in Los Angeles and Mexico. It also includes Luis Bauz's story "Tatiana," a critical essay by Chris Kraus on Rivera's photography, and a novella-length conversation between Rivera and his friend Vaginal Davis, exploring their lives, work, and shared histories.