A New Gallery in Downtown: A Photographer’s Vision for a Community Space for Artists
Los Angeles Photographer Opens Monochrome Gallery, Showcasing the City’s Spirit
Photographer Brendan North recently launched his first gallery, Monochrome Gallery, on September 26, featuring a collection of photographs that encapsulate the culture and glamour of Los Angeles.
Originally from Boston, North pursued studies in International Affairs and Environmental Science at The George Washington University. Transitioning to photography was a gradual process. While in college, he initiated a project named “Humans of DC," inspired by the popular “Humans of New York.” This project involved photographing strangers and sharing their stories on social media. “I would go up and introduce myself, speak to them for a bit, take a portrait and then tell their story on social media,” he recalled.
North’s efforts led to a rapid increase in his Instagram following, which soon reached 10,000. With the rise of social media, his work gained traction, prompting him to move to Los Angeles to focus on photography full-time. “It was the advent of Instagram,” he stated. “It was 2014, 2015 when I first started believing that there was a life to be had on social media, a career to be made via making money on social media.”
Opening a gallery was not something North had anticipated. As he transitioned from commercial photography to fine art, he was welcomed into the gallery scene, eventually exhibiting his work in galleries across the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia. “Once I had been introduced to that world, I fell in love with the idea of owning my own gallery one day,” he shared. “Now seven years later, I’ve been able to open my own space.”
Currently, the gallery serves as an introductory showcase rather than a cohesive collection, featuring pieces from the past decade to reflect his evolving perspective. “My photography is combined with my political activism and my social commentary on cultural power and glamor of Los Angeles,” North explained. “That’s what’s defined my style over the last 10 years, and it continues to define it today.”
Highlighted works include a 42 x 62-inch piece titled “Workforce,” which comments on the military-industrial complex and the complicity of the American workforce. “We all play a role in this industry, and this photo is my take on that,” he remarked. Another striking piece, “Window Shopping,” explores a personal experience when someone broke into his car and stole his backpack. The image depicts a “model-thief” moving through Downtown LA, illustrating the stark reality of crime juxtaposed with luxury.
In addition to his photographs, the gallery also offers merchandise such as t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, and magnets, enabling visitors to take home a piece of the experience. The current exhibition will be on display until January, when North plans to host his first group show featuring multiple artists.
“The plan moving forward is to continue doing rotating group shows, bringing in different artists, keeping the space fresh, alive and activated,” he said. He envisions the gallery as a hub for community engagement, seeking to support local artists and foster dialogue.
Rather than naming the space after himself, North chose the name Monochrome Gallery to create an inclusive atmosphere for collaboration. “If you’re an aspiring artist, I would love to meet you. I’m always looking for new artists to work with and display in the space,” he said. “Maybe we can work together on making this a great space for the community.”
