Through the Magpie Eye: Michael Jang

17.11.2020

Michael Jang street photograph: people in suits and wide patterned ties, one in thick glasses clutching a newspaper

Fans of California scuzz, curious-looking individuals and… errrr… good pictures should no doubt be in awe of the work of American street photographer Michael Jang.

After studying photography at the California Institute of the Arts in the 70s, Jang flung himself forehead first into the world of documentary snap-shooting, taking photos of everything from raunchy student hijinks, to the burgeoning San Fran punk rock scene, all the way over to world-famous superstars at The Beverly Hilton hotel (which he blagged his way into using fake press credentials).

Michael Jang photograph: someone in thick glasses and a bow tie holds up a programme with a portrait at a ballroom banquet

Frank Sinatra at the Beverly Hilton: three in dinner suits at a top table before a glittering curtain, two applauding

But it wasn’t until 2001 when Michael’s snaps got the recognition they rightly deserve, after he submitted a bunch of his old work to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Since then, he’s gone on to become a sort-of cult hero for people who enjoy the funny, mischievous side of documentary photography (like me).

Anyway, I’ll cut the rambling. Feast your face on some decent photos. And after you’re done, take a look at his website here.

Michael Jang photograph: two in bikinis and ape masks under a sign reading Most Beautiful Apes, Pick Up Masks Here

Michael Jang portrait: someone with long feathered hair in an SF baseball cap with a pin badge, a check shirt and a jacket

Michael Jang photograph: two at a party before a starry backdrop, one in a feather wrap and pearls, one in a check suit

Michael Jang photograph: someone with spiky hair in a check jacket with badges, at a table with drinks and an ashtray

David Bowie at the Beverly Hilton in a bold check suit and wide tie, signing an autograph for someone in a fur coat

Michael Jang photograph: a Siamese cat perched in a toilet bowl with a flower-print lid, on a shaggy bath mat

Michael Jang photograph: someone in a striped tee swigging from a giant bottle, another watching from a deck by the sea

Michael Jang photograph: someone with clear plastic wound round the head and face, before shelves of ornaments and dolls

Michael Jang photograph: a long-haired crowd, one in a check shirt swigging from a bottle, one in a white tee smoking

The Ramones in San Francisco at stage level: legs in faded jeans and white plimsolls, fans pressed to the edge

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