Oi Polloi

Through the Magpie Eye: Michael Jang

Published: Tue Nov 17 2020

Fans of California scuzz, curious-looking individuals and… errrr… good pictures should no doubt be in awe of the work of American street photographer Michael Jang.

After studying photography at the California Institute of the Arts in the 70s, Jang flung himself forehead first into the world of documentary snap-shooting, taking photos of everything from raunchy student hijinks, to the burgeoning San Fran punk rock scene, all the way over to world-famous superstars at The Beverly Hilton hotel (which he blagged his way into using fake press credentials).

But it wasn’t until 2001 when Michael’s snaps got the recognition they rightly deserve, after he submitted a bunch of his old work to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Since then, he’s gone on to become a sort-of cult hero for people who enjoy the funny, mischievous side of documentary photography (like me).

Anyway, I’ll cut the rambling. Feast your face on some decent photos. And after you’re done, take a look at his website here.