He's captured notable LA rap figures like Tupac Shakur, Coolio, Snoop Dogg, and Eazy E; album covers, lowriders, and fashion models, all with a breathtaking flair and energy that espouses west coast/Los Angeles culture. Known as a true originator, Mike Miller developed his own particular brand of photography in the late '80s and '90s while his subjects would emerge as legendary artists with their own mythos further sealed by Miller's sharp black and white shots.
You'd be hard pressed to remember another photographer whose work was more rampant on notable rap album covers than Miller's, and for the discerning fan hoping to see his photos brought together, head down to Costa Mesa's Dax Gallery where a major sampling of Miller's work will be on display starting this weekend.
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“Love West Coast” highlight's Miller's career, arranging a major sampling of his work covering West Coast rappers from the '90s, as well as elements of LA culture such as cars, skateboards, Hollywood, tattoos and– of course– women. Co-curated by Dax Gallery owner Alex Amador, the exhibition is a then and now of LA cool, with Miller's photographic eye firmly capturing what makes the city so great.
Saturday's exhibition will also include a chance to meet Miller with a book signing of his photobook. Coming at the heels of the recent release of the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton, here's a chance to catch up with the photog and get some of the inside scoop on working with these dudes up close.
Love West Coast opens Saturday, August 22nd at 6pm and is on display until October 10 at Dax Gallery, 2951 Randolph Ave., Costa Mesa. Admission is free. More details at daxgallery.com. Information on Miller can be found at mikemillerphoto.com.
See also:
The Top 10 Rappers in OC
10 More of OC's Best Rappers
Top Five Female Emcees in OC
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Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.