Exhibition Review: New Works for a Post-Worker’s World

© Rodrigo Valenzuela

Written by Aaron Norton

Edited by Hillary Mitchell

Chilean photographer and visual artist Rodrigo Valenzuela’s work appears as black and white, but it’s so much more. As if his work is meant to be futuristic yet also old-fashioned at the same time, Valenzuela’s photography is definitely worth admiring as a viewer. In his new exhibition on display at Luis De Jesus Los Angeles titled, New Works for a Post Worker’s World, Rodrigo Valenzuela’s incredible black and white photos are shown front and center for his first solo exhibition with the gallery. Although his work in this exhibition is monochromatic, it’s far from being monotone.

For those who are unaware of the Chilean photographer and his work, Valenzuela is no stranger to creating intricately designed set pieces that focus on both the modern-day and post-modern worker’s worlds. In his latest exhibition, Valenzuela acts as both a photographer and a sculptor due to the fact that a lot of his photographs have a sculpture-like quality to them. Although the objects in his exhibition are inanimate, they still have a lively quality – almost as if he’s staged these objects to fancy the look of a real-life model or subject. 

© Rodrigo Valenzuela

At first glance, Valenzuela’s work doesn’t look contemporary or modern – but rather – archaic. However, that’s not to say he doesn’t blend the two together. In fact, the work on display is perfectly balanced and takes the looks of modern technology and antiquated machinery to a new level. In some ways, the work almost resembles a Charlie Chaplin film – more specifically, Modern Times (1936). There’s something about the presentation of each photograph that gives the viewer that nostalgic feeling only felt when you’re watching a film or looking at a photograph from the early 20th century.

© Rodrigo Valenzuela

Though there are many moving parts to the installation, one of the most interesting parts about this exhibition is the life that leaps from each photograph. Of course, one might be confused after looking at these works because they consist mostly of machines, chains and sharp objects. But it’s with this mixture of objects that Valenzuela tackles the ideas of unionization, modernization and technological advancements in a fascinating and intelligent way.

With this perfect mixture of talent and quality craftsmanship, Rodrigo Valenzuela tackles his life-long interest in the blue-collar worker’s world – or more specifically – the post-worker’s world. And although the idea of the post-worker’s world may be difficult to grasp for some, much like Valenzuela’s work, it’s ever changing and necessary.

© Rodrigo Valenzuela

Rodrigo Valenzuela is a Chilean photographer and visual artist based in Los Angeles, CA. Valenzuela has presented a number of solo and group exhibitions shown around the country and has been selected for a number of awards including the Guggenheim Fellowship Award in 2021. Including his professional career as an artist, Valenzuela is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Art at the University of California, Los Angeles.

New Works for a Post-Worker’s World is currently on display at Luis De Jesus Los Angeles until February 19. For more information on the exhibition, future events and artists associated with the gallery, please visit their website: www.luisdejesus.com