Wendi Kenya, Realtor – photo credit: Patrick Ecclesine

Los Angeles native, Patrick Ecclesine, was inspired one day while stuck in traffic by that most quintessentially LA of places, Sunset Boulevard. (Who would have thought that LA gridlock was good for something after all!)

It’s been years now since that moment when Ecclesine, struck by the inherent contradictions embodied in Sunset; this street which runs through some of the city’s poorest as well as it’s wealthiest neighborhoods, envisioned expressing it’s essence through the photographic medium. And now the dream of Faces of Sunset Blvd. has become a reality

The project, financed through Ecclesine work as a commercial photographer, culminated in 2007 with a gala opening at City Hall. A publishing contract soon followed, and in November of 2008 the book, Faces of Sunset Boulevard: a portrait of Los Angeles, was released.

Like reproductions of paintings in books, the wealth of the impression you get from seeing the actual works cannot be underestimated. Angelenos who have been to Hollywood’s Arclight theatres since November 28th have been treated to just that – an exhibit of the Faces of Sunset Boulevard, displayed in the theatre giant’s lobby area and stair landing.

Police Chief, Bratton LAPD – photo: Patrick Ecclesine

This video clip is the making of  Chief Bratton’s photograph

The show closes February 14th, so definitely plan on stopping by the Arclight to take in the vibrant and mesmerizing beauty of these images while you still can.