The landscape of Los Angeles serves as an ongoing source of inspiration for Gregg Segal. In the series the Cost of Living, signage bearing a person’s annual income is juxtaposed with their hands. Running the gamut from plastic surgeons to day laborers, Segal points out the absurdity of what is valued most in our culture.
Why did you decide to pursue your artistic practice on the West Coast?
I came out to LA to be a screenwriter after getting an MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU. Eventually, after growing disenchanted with the movie business, I began shooting stills again and became re-invigorated as a photographer.
Why Not New York?
I grew roots in LA – and the longer I’ve lived here; the harder it’s become to leave.
What do you find most distracting about your urban environment?
I don’t think of my environment as distracting. The city has been the inspiration for a number of my projects, including Freeway Close, OJ, The People Have Spoken and Echo Park.
What do you feel is unique to your city?
Strip malls with signage in more languages than maybe any other city.
What do you find most appealing about New York?
The energy, the density of people, the whirlwind of bodies and motion, characters and faces. I think of a William Klein photograph.
What artists have influenced your practice most?
Diane Arbus.
Images from the series Cost Of Living
Images courtesy of the artist
THE 20+20 PHOTOGRAPHY ISSUE
Gregg Segal is featured within Installation Magazine’s special 20+20 Photography Issue, which highlighted 20 Los Angeles and 20 New York City photographers. Download the full issue on your iPad and iPhone.