Jerry Hsu's 'Devil Smoke' Photograph Captures Eerie LA Moment

Photographer Jerry Hsu's striking image, captured in downtown Los Angeles between 2011 and 2012, depicts a dramatic plume of black smoke erupting from a street grate. Hsu, who had recently moved to the sprawling metropolis from his suburban hometown of San Jose, was exploring the less familiar downtown area with his camera when the spontaneous event occurred. He described the scene as "hilariously cinematic," evoking a sense of the uncanny, as if "a devil was about to appear from the smoke." This dramatic visual, he surmised, was the result of an underground fire, a type of "eerie, spontaneous thing that happens in a city." The photograph serves as a powerful testament to the unpredictable nature of urban environments and Hsu's ability to find profound imagery within them.

Hsu's artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in a profound sense of surrender when he is behind the lens. He articulates this by stating, "There is a very powerful feeling of surrender when I am photographing. I have to submit to the authority of ignorance when I’m out there." This approach signifies a willingness to relinquish control and embrace the unknown, allowing him to be fully present and receptive to the serendipitous moments that photography often offers. His relocation to Los Angeles was significantly influenced by a desire to escape the perceived monotony of San Jose, a place he characterized as a "sprawling American suburb" lacking urban character, which had contributed to a period of personal depression. This move marked a significant transition, both personally and artistically.

Los Angeles, in Hsu's perception, transcends the definition of a conventional city, existing instead as a mosaic of distinct locales. He highlights the city's unique ability to offer dramatically different environments within short distances, such as the beach or the mountains, accessible by a brief drive. This geographical and environmental diversity imbues the city with what he describes as a "weird sentience," an almost living quality that can be experienced if one allows it. This characteristic of Los Angeles frequently ignites within him an "inexplicable desire to just get in the car and go," reflecting a constant allure of discovery and the endless potential for new photographic subjects. The photograph of the smoke, taken during this formative period of adaptation and exploration in Los Angeles, encapsulates the city's inherent unpredictability and its capacity for generating moments of unexpected, almost theatrical, drama.