DUSTIN HA
Remember Why You’re Here
Saturday, February 10
Helen J Gallery, 929 Cole Ave | Los Angeles
Reception 5-9 pm
Mon Dieu Projects is delighted to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition by the talented photographer Dustin Ha, titled “REMEMBER WHY YOU’RE HERE.” Ha’s debut showcase challenges the conventions of fine art photography, presenting a collection of 26 large-format photographs that are not only visually striking but also conceptually profound.
Unlike conventional photography displays found in hotel lobbies or luxury homes, Dustin Ha’s collection is not designed for easy consumption. “REMEMBER WHY YOU’RE HERE” prompts viewers to delve beneath the surface, encouraging them to confront the intricacies of an exquisitely imperfect world. Ha’s photography serves as a therapeutic outlet, providing a respite from the chaos within his mind. His images are not created to universally please; rather, they mirror the world as he perceives it, where contradictions and darkness coexist alongside beauty and light.
In this series, Dustin Ha employs intentional folds in his large-format prints, transforming them into a metaphorical representation of life’s intricate tapestry of highs and lows. Each wrinkle in the photograph encapsulates a unique moment, capturing the essence of the human experience. Mirroring life’s unpredictability, the folds in Ha’s images reflect the viewer’s personal journey, celebrating resilience in adversity and finding beauty in imperfection.
For Dustin Ha, these folds hold a personal significance, representing his own experiences with crippling panic attacks. The interplay of light and shadows within each fold serves to highlight the resilience found in adversity and the inherent beauty within imperfection. “REMEMBER WHY YOU’RE HERE” challenges viewers to reflect on the parallels between the creases in the photographs and the nuanced fabric of their own lives, creating an intimate and thought-provoking experience.
Dustin Ha, an LA-born Korean-American raised in El Salvador, explores his three fragmented identities through his lens. Always an outsider, he discovered purpose not through drugs or spiritual cults but in his camera. His singular focus, reflected in his meticulous photography practice, transcends Sisyphean anxiety. Through juxtaposition and unconventional formats, Ha’s work celebrates the misfit in all of us.
Dustin Ha Contact
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dustin.j.ha/
