People’s Disco 8-Year Anniversary with Guest Artist Photosynthesiser
Exhibition Dates: February 2 - February 27, 2024
People's Disco
Instagram: @peoples.disco
Luis Contreras
Website: https://www.photosynthesiser.gallery/
Instagram: @photosynthesiser.jpg
Janina A. Larenas - Resident Artists, People’s Disco
Luis Contreras - Photosynthesiser
Jared Gampel - Resident DJ, People’s Disco
Little Giant Collective is pleased to host People's Disco for their 8-year anniversary with a retrospective of their posters and ephemera alongside photographs from photojournalist Luis Contreras, "photosynthesiser".
People’s Disco is a revolutionary socialist dance party based in Santa Cruz, California. Since 2016, they have thrown dozens of free parties featuring vinyl DJs who share their love of rare disco, funk, and boogie records. In addition to fostering an inclusive dancefloor, People’s Disco has supported social movements and labor struggles by providing institutional space for the Left. As their mission statement puts it: “We believe cultural projects are an important element in the struggle for socialism. Though music is no substitute for politics, it is critical for building bonds and solidarity in ways that cannot be done through organizing alone. People’s Disco is a place where we remind each other that there are others like us and we must find one another, and that there is a better world worth fighting for.
Luis Contreras has established himself as a journalistic photographer in the Santa Cruz arts scene under the pseudonym "photosynthesiser".
The Photosynthesiser moniker speaks to Luis's ability to harness and manipulate light, much like a plant harnesses sunlight for energy. He has an unconventional approach to photography that allows him to paint with light and shadow, freeze moments in time, and capture candid portraits that encapsulate the spirit of the local music community. Luis is inspired by the cultural impact music carries and his work reflects the intersection of personal and collective experiences. He intertwines his passion for photography with the rhythm of dance, capturing light trails and portraits in his photographs. Luis' commitment to authenticity makes him a true luminary in the Santa Cruz arts scene.
Photographs by Mickey Ta
Instagram: @imnotmickey