Martin Makaryan, a Santa Monica resident and hobbyist photographer, will present "Ocean Park in Focus," a photography exhibition exploring the history, culture and everyday stories of the Ocean Park neighborhood.
The exhibition will be on public view Thursday, Dec. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bruce Lurie Gallery, 608 Santa Monica Blvd. An artist talk and brief remarks from community members, including former Mayor Judy Abdo and the president of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, will take place at 4 p.m.
The project is supported by a City of Santa Monica 150th Anniversary microgrant and explores the neighborhood through a photographic lens. As a new resident, Makaryan said this work has been a way for him to learn about the community and highlight its character in an accessible, visual way.
"Ocean Park in Focus" features portraits and street scenes of one of Santa Monica's most storied neighborhoods. Once a seaside resort and amusement district, Ocean Park has evolved into a vibrant, inclusive community embodying the city's coastal character, where craftsman cottages, local shops and generations of residents coexist against the rhythm of the Pacific.
Makaryan, who moved to Ocean Park in August, turns his lens toward his own community to uncover its everyday poetry: the light, the people and the places that define its sense of belonging. His work blends documentary detail with an eye for intimacy, seeking to focus on what makes this corner of Santa Monica uniquely alive.
Limited-edition prints will be available for purchase.
The exhibition is open to the public from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the artist talk at 4 p.m.
For more Information, visit: https://luma.com/zqbip92h
Edited by SMDP Staff