Esta Soy Yo

Childhood Nostalgia

This exhibition and youth photography curriculum are made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Raised in LA examines how identity takes shape through memory, place, and community. This exhibition reflects on Los Angeles as both a physical landscape and a collection of lived experiences. Using photographs from personal archives, familiar spaces, and community figures, the artists trace ways the city has left its mark on the person they are becoming. From early memories to present-day relationships, each image reveals Los Angeles as something both deeply internal and collectively created.

Artists from Esta Soy Yo: Childhood Nostalgia turn inward, reflecting on early memories through images of places and objects that hold personal histories. Each artist explored how the city lives within them — and how they help shape the city around them.

TEACHING ARTISTS: Arrietta van der Voort & Coffee Kang
TEACHING ARTIST ASSISTANT: Yahaira S. Guerrero
MENTORS: Ale Sone, Anthony Colli, August Koskoff, Celeste Arroyo, Chloe Cusimano, Daniela Lara, Gabriela Salazar, Harper Kennington, Isabella Monterrosa, Jade Carrera, Jeanne Heo, Jonathan Perez, Mitzi Valenzuela, Nelly Interiano, Pea Nunez, Randi Rubin, and Rebeca Garcia.

This exhibition is sponsored by Angel City Football Club & NYX Professional Makeup.

Photos printed at Mural Colors @muralcolors.

Alexis Realin, AGE 15

6 Primaveras
6 Primaveras is a photographic exploration of growing up in my childhood apartment and revisiting a place in my life where I felt happy, safe, and full of freedom; play and nostalgia gave me a fond feeling of a past time when I was protected. Coming back to this place and repeating the action of hiding under the stairs during a game of hide and seek, I realized how much I’ve grown both in my height and as a young woman. By covering my face with my hands, I reenact the game of hiding and the innocence of a child covering their eyes as if they are invisible.

ABOUT ME
Alexis Realin is 15 years old, a Mexican American girl from Mexicali and Cuba, and a freshman in high school. This is her second semester at Las Fotos Project in Esta Soy Yo. She loves to hang out with friends, paint, shop, play softball, and wants to become a cosmetologist in the future. Her favorite hobby is photography which was her main reason for joining LFP and she also wants to learn more about the world of photography. She hopes you enjoy the showcase today and everyone’s work.

Allisson Hernandez-Lozano, AGE 17

De la raíz al cielo
Growing up in the U.S. felt like a double identity: I was Mexican at home, but “American” outside. Coming from once feeling embarrassed to speak Spanish, I’ve now flourished into a person who feels pride in the hardships that come with being Mexican-American and want to showcase my culture to the world. The people and opportunities I’ve had while in LA have helped to make me into a stronger person. My Mexican identity and LA have helped raise me from the ground up.

ABOUT ME
Allisson Hernandez-Lozano is a 17-year-old first-generation Mexican-American artist born and raised in Virgil Village. Her community, culture, and identity show up in her art, memories, owned objects scattered around her room, and through the way she styles her models. She’s inspired by the femininity of Hispanic culture – lace, ribbons, and flowy skirts – and wants to showcase the way these aesthetics can be empowering, despite the way they’re often viewed. She’s been interested in photography since sixth grade, but didn't always have the resources to practice. With Las Fotos Project, she has been able to fully experiment and put herself out there to capture the things she sees and challenge her creativity by viewing everyday “mundane” scenes as something much more.

Anahi Garay, AGE 17

Child's Dream
I have visited and grown up in different parts of LA, so my childhood memories aren't all in one place. This led to my older sister and I taking pictures in every photo booth we came across. Those photo strips and others cover the corkboard behind my childhood teddy bear, who is holding a picture of me with my parents. I wanted this project to show my journey through childhood from the various places that made me who I am.

ABOUT ME
Anahi Garay is a 17-year-old Mexican American born and raised in different areas of Los Angeles. Originally introduced to photography by her brother when he gave her his old camera, Anahi became fascinated by the art form and came to Las Fotos Project. Anahi typically photographs using warm lighting and personal imagery but still takes occasional photos of landscapes and flora. As she grew up, she began to appreciate the moments and places that helped her grow. She likes to read, draw, paint, and play tennis.

Andrea Curiel, AGE 18

Cool Cat
Everyone has their own childhood dream. Mine, it was to have a cat one day. Cool Cat was inspired by my childhood memory. The model represented that figure, while now, I’m 18, and have had my dream fulfilled.

ABOUT ME
Andrea Curiel, is a Mexican–American 18 year-old photographer based in East Los Angeles. Andrea wants to work in journalism, with a central focus on social justice, or political science. She wants to tell stories of those whose voices often go unheard or overlooked. A few interests of hers include music, reading, and showing her creativity in various ways like drawing, painting, and crocheting. There is peace that comes with photography and portraying the world around her. She is engaged in meeting new people, especially when they share similar interests to her. She draws inspiration from her community and personal experiences in sharing her views and sentiments.

Ashley Cos-Sica, AGE 16

Growing Up
Living in Los Angeles has made me accepting, appreciative, and loving of where I am from and who I truly am. My roots and those that came before me inspire me and this photo is an ode to that. Before, my world seemed small, but as I've grown older my palette has expanded, and I am proud of who I am becoming. I no longer feel confined to not acknowledging my Indigenous roots—I am proud and I want to honor that through this piece.

ABOUT ME
Ashley Cos-Sica is a 16-year-old Guatemalan artist and photographer born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. Ashley’s work captures the memories, places, and most importantly the different communities all over Los Angeles. She is influenced by her Indigenous parents, their work ethic, and overall resilience. With a background in street vending, Ashley spent her childhood years traveling with her parents from neighborhood to neighborhood, riding the metro and observing her environment. As a result of this, she is inspired by people. Her work consists of street photography and portraits of her friends and loved ones.

Ava Weissman, AGE 16

Lollipop Purse
This photo is inspired by the purse I used to have as a kid. I used to love going through my mom’s purse and wanting to be just like her and have a purse of my own to be more adult. I would put random things in my purse and carry it around everywhere I went. Me and mom would sit in the park and I would look through her purse while eating a lollipop.

ABOUT ME
Ava Weissman was born and raised in Los Angeles. She has always been drawn to art because her parents are both artists. She discovered photography in 7th grade and has loved it ever since. She started to take photos of her friends and really enjoyed it, as someone who hates getting their photo taken. She likes photography because it is a way to express herself without words. She is someone who lives most of her life in her imagination and photography brings her thoughts to life. She has always been inspired by her surroundings and hopes to keep doing photography in the future.

Bella “Bellita” Gomez, AGE 18

thanku2art
Throughout my childhood, my creativity and art have helped me express what matters most to me, whether that's community or concern about societal issues. The wooden painting shown was a Father’s Day gift I made in kindergarten. This piece reflects some of my earliest artwork and a vibrant version of my ideal world. I hold this piece close to my heart because it reminds me how far I've come as an artist. I want to thank art for being a creative outlet where I can love freely and express myself.

ABOUT ME
Bellita is an 18-year-old photographer born and raised in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Her work centers on empowering her community and advocating against ongoing gentrification through photo storytelling. She enjoys editorial photography and loves experimenting with makeup, fashion, and different alternative subcultures. Bellita also creates mixed-media work, blending her artistic interests into visually impactful stories. She aspires to dive deeper into the fashion realm while continuing to use her lens to uplift underrepresented communities and spark conversations that inspire change.

Brooklyn Castellanos, AGE 16

Echoes of Us
Brooklyn uses this photo to go down memory lane to a time when her tito (grandpa) used to take her and her cousin Justyne along a journey across their Echo Park neighborhood. The routine involved running around the park for hours, getting treated to a raspado, food and toys all while creating a bond with her cousin that has lasted over the years. Brooklyn and Justyne have decided to re-open this memory and reminisce about their childhood fun and fight together.

ABOUT ME
Brooklyn Castellanos (she/her) is a 14-year-old second-generation Mexican-American who was born and raised in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Brooklyn is currently a freshman at John Marshall High School who photographs her neighborhood as the landscape transforms due to gentrification. She juggles school, Las Fotos Project, extracurricular activities and sports and throughout it all, her love for her culture, family, and friends inspires her to create an atmosphere full of positivity, laughter, art and music. Brooklyn likes sharing her voice and observations, like seeing the gentrification in her neighborhood, through her photos. Brooklyn uses her resources and eye to uplift the stories of those who make her neighborhood exciting, vibrant and inclusive.

Celeste Robeson, AGE 17

By the Park
While photographing Robinson Park Recreation Center, I thought about how being in the moment is much slower than a memory. Little details about what actually happens are forgotten, and if you’re not paying attention you might miss things. My photo touches on themes of nostalgia and longing. These old women are watching their grandkids at the park, and their own childhood is already in the past. Wood chip floors, scratched plastic windows, rope nets, and droopy bridges remind me of childhood. Playgrounds are a universal representation of childhood memories.

ABOUT ME
Celeste is a 17-year-old second-generation Chilean Mexican American born and raised in Los Angeles, California currently residing in Eagle Rock. Celeste has interests in fashion, traveling, and art but is mainly inspired by her Dad, PanicOne, a graffiti artist.

Esra Nunez, AGE 16

La Plage à Mes Yeux
This project revisits my childhood memories of the beach through new eyes, this time alongside my little brother. It captures how memory repeats but never stays the same-bare feet in familiar sand, waves erasing what we try to keep. He runs into the ocean with the same innocence I once had, building castles he will lose without knowing it yet. I watch quietly, seeing my past and his present overlap, as the sea turns everything into something both held and gone.

ABOUT ME
Esra Nunez is a sixteen-year-old trans photographer raised on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles—in Echo Park, Silver Lake, and Historic Filipinotown. From a young age, she has been drawn to the architecture, cityscapes, and silhouettes of downtown. She loves photography, music, and art. Her work is heavily inspired by artists such as Patti Smith, Ansel Adams, and Jack Kerouac. She finds beauty in the mundane, as well as in the raw warmth and quiet cruelty that perform a delicate ballet before her lens. Through her photography, she captures fleeting moments of beauty and elegance within a constantly shifting landscape, often focusing on light, texture, and human presence within a space. Her work reflects both intimacy and distance, documenting the world as it is while also revealing how it feels to move through it as a trans girl.

Etzel Ochoa, AGE 15

Fluorescent Night
The mind bends toward rest, drifting quietly into a warm landscape of sleep. As the physical room fades into heavy, golden light, the subconscious reaches back into the archives of time, pulling forward fragments of a childhood long passed. These layered snapshots float like half-remembered dreams over the bed, creating a sanctuary of familiarity and nostalgia. It is a visual record of a mind at peace, wrapping itself in the comfort of its own history before slipping into the night.

ABOUT ME
Etzel Ochoa is a Mexican-American photographer born in Sierra Madre, California. Her deeply personal imagery explores the fluid boundaries of memory, childhood, and familiarity. Through a distinctly nostalgic lens, Ochoa captures moments that evoke a sense of looking back in time, inviting viewers into a warm, dreamlike world that balances personal history with universal connection.

Inez Flores, AGE 15

Las botas
This photo is with the boots that made my childhood. Underneath the boots is a football, a sport that I am passionate about playing and as much as I love those boots that I grew up with, I equally love football. For so many years, I would always have such confidence wearing the boots with such a vivid, silly outfit. No matter where I went, I always got the attention and felt so special. It wasn’t girly but it was cool, and showed the love I had in those boots.

ABOUT ME
I am Inez Flores, a coming-of-age Mexican girl. I come from Echo Park, with big interests in being a leader and a photographer. Capturing a moment is something important, and I love to photograph the present and document what is special. Being a part of Las Fotos Project has given me a deeper knowledge of photography and culture. The experience of being in a photography class with amazing people has taught me so much and shown how many amazing photographers there are. Taking photos is very important; future generations may not know what this generation does and with photography we can capture that moment and it will always be remembered. Behind a photo comes memories and stories. My photography is colorful and beautiful and fun, I aim to never look boring and always appeal to the eye.

Isyz Gracian, AGE 17

11932
11932 is my LA childhood. Much of my childhood was spent living at my grandparents’ house, every Sunday visiting my dad, then coming back to play with my cousin. My memories with her are warm, filled with laughter, chaos, and playing in the plants. Growing up in LA, there was always an emphasis on storytelling, the land, the buildings, and the people all told their own stories. This photo is how I tell one of my stories.

ABOUT ME
Isyz Gracian is a 17 year old Indigenous Chicana artist from South-East LA. Her multimedia art explores themes of history, story telling, and the way we interact with our environments. She is influenced by memory, space, shapes, people now, and the people that once were. Through creating art she learns more about herself and her ancestors. She loves speaking with her grandparents and hearing their stories, reading history books, and taking walks in silence to hear her own thoughts. She hopes that those who view her art are able to walk through their own memories and reflect on who their ancestors were, who they are, and what they hope to leave once they are gone.

Janelle Rivas, AGE 18

My Papas
This project is a love letter to my brother. After nearly 17 years under one roof, new experiences await us as we enter adulthood together. Our individual perspectives of what it means to be Angelinos have combined over the years to create one blended experience.

ABOUT ME
Janelle Rivas is an 18-year-old Latina artist based in LA who hopes to pursue photography professionally in the future. Janelle uses photography as a tool to navigate the process of connecting with her femininity. While implementing themes from her culture, she uses herself, her environment, and her friends and family as subjects. Janelle uses creative modes of expression to create a safe space in which she is able to navigate certain complex emotions that might not be easy to put into words.

Jazmine Sharelle Jones, AGE 16

PEANUTS
The main subject in this photo is my Snoopy plushie, a comfort item for me ever since childhood. Growing up Blasian (Black Asian) in Los Angeles, times were hard. I often felt left out and marginalized. My Snoopy plushie helped me get through the dark and into the light. I took this picture at my school, tossing the plushie into the sky to symbolize how I felt as a child with Snoopy. Some challenges in making this photo include capturing the right angle and creating a clear image.

ABOUT ME
Jazmine S. Jones is a 16-year-old photographer who is from the heart of Los Angeles, specifically, the heart of little Tokyo. She moved left to right when she was younger and finally landed in a place that she now feels like she can call home. She is Blasian with a Filipino mom and a Jamaican dad. Her love of culture heavily impacts the photos she takes, as she always somehow finds a way to connect the things she photographs to her two heritages. Although she is more connected and in touch with Filipinos, she still can connect with, and educate herself on her Jamaican culture.

Kelsey Becerra, AGE 17

Thinking of You
Growing up, my family members always told stories of how my grandpa loved and spoiled me in the short time we had together. Moving to East LA, I felt closer to these shared memories knowing I was walking the same sidewalks where he grew up. Thinking of him, I photographed an alley behind the first apartment I lived in in East LA, and overlaid a baby photo of me and my grandpa using double exposure.

ABOUT ME
My name is Kelsey Becerra. I am an Afro-Indigenous artist based in East Los Angeles, California. Art is my first love, and exploring various mediums has always been a favorite pastime. Inspired by the city of Los Angeles and the visible passion of community and art, I find particular joy in exploring themes of beauty, culture, and community through photography. Photography has always held a special place for me. Growing up, my family captured moments through the lens and preserved them in photo books. I aim to continue my artistic journey as I transition to a young adult, making an impact and finding community through the love of art.

Leslie Calel, AGE 18

Anhelo eterno
As children we long for the days we can claim to be all grown up. As we get older, we long for the days in which times were much simpler. We are forever longing for times we can no longer access, from being sheltered by my mother to being able to share vulnerable and difficult moments with one another. We are equal—she no longer has to carry by herself the misfortunes that come with living.

ABOUT ME
Leslie is an 18-year-old artist based in East LA. Participating in various programs throughout Boyle Heights has allowed her to develop an interest in a variety of subjects, such as baking, environmental justice, politics, photography, and reading. Though she is an introvert, she has learned that speaking up and being confident is a significantly valuable trait, especially in environments where being a woman of color becomes a challenge. Raised in a quiet household by strong female characters, Leslie draws courage from their unwavering strength, which inspires her to speak up for those who may find it difficult to do so. She is drawn to works that highlight themes of cultural identity and family dynamics, finding inspiration in artists like Meiko Kawakami and Fernanda Liberti. Through her own work, she hopes to offer others comfort and a deeper sense of understanding.

Madison Paz, AGE 14

The Life of LA
LA is not just my city but it is the home that has brought me childhood memories and is part of my identity as a person. The vibrant colors in my photography made me feel warmth and happiness and pulled me back to good times that have happened not only as a child but also throughout the years. The flowers and lace make me remember the old house I grew up in with my mom at the age of 5, which had a garden of a variety of colors.

ABOUT ME
Madison Paz is a 14-year-old girl and was born in California. During her free time, Madison enjoys traveling with her family on long road trips. On these trips, she takes photos of the local landscape. In her travels she has developed fondness for places such as Hollywood and Colorado. Madison's photography captures the theme of nostalgia through the use of vibrant colors in her artwork. One of her photos features a baby picture right next to an orange flower representing her theme. Outside of photography, Madison enjoys volleyball, and performing as part of her school orchestra. Madison demonstrates leadership through her position as a first chair violinist, a quality that she intends to bring into the world of photography. She's proud of graduating her first semester at Las Fotos Project and developing the skills to operate a camera.

Maelie Espinal, AGE 15

Caballo verde
Me: a wild, free girl I can compare to a green horse. Green horse: a horse who is inexperienced, having minimal exposure to the domesticated world. As I’ve grown up, I have learned to reject society's conformity, and throughout my childhood, horses have brought out the untamed personality I have. Without them, I might not be as expressive and so self-assured.

ABOUT ME
Maelie Espinal (she/her) is a 15-year-old, first-generation Salvadorean horse girl, born and raised in the crevices of Eagle Rock and Glassell Park. Some activities that Maelie enjoy are wrestling, watercolor, printmaking, and natural dyeing processes. She’s very interested in the music scene of plunderphonics and hardcore punk; it inspires her to have a weird and creative art style that can appear uncommon. The majority of her inspiration comes from the essence of horses and family and she’s particularly fascinated by the idea of sisterhood and nostalgia.

Samantha Flores Ramirez, AGE 17

la curiosidad de existir
"Ya me di al poder que a mi destino rige. Y no me aferro ya a nada, para así no tener nada que defender. No tengo pensamientos, para así poder ver. No temo ya a nada, para así poder acordarme de mi desapego, y sereno me lanzaré más allá del Águila para ser libre" -Guerrero Aguila

ABOUT ME
Sam is a 17-year-old Mexican immigrant from Puebla, Cholula, and an artist at heart. For her, art is the most powerful way to convey storytelling, and she uses it in photography, animation, drawing, and filmmaking to tell stories rooted in her own experiences and those of others. She constantly explores new ways to express herself and push the boundaries of her creativity through color, composition, and mixed media.

Sandra Luis Grijalva, AGE 19

The Dunsmuir House
The Dunsmuir House is my childhood home. My family and I lived here with my grandparents and cousins. My Tata loves music, especially The Beatles. I remember ‘Love Me Do’ coming from his harmonica. These sounds echo through the home, as I listen to the sound of my Nana’s sewing machine; she fixes our clothes alongside playing a record. The Dunsmuir house was sold back in 2018, but the memories I created there are unforgettable because of my loving grandparents.

ABOUT ME
Sandra Luis Grijalva is a first-gen 19-year-old Latina who began photography when she was 14 years old. She captures her emotions, expressing herself through the use of color and nostalgia. Photography became a storytelling outlet as she continued to depict aspects of her life, from family to childhood. In pursuing filmmaking, Sandra wants to continue working behind the camera by exploring cinematography to give a voice to simple things while advocating for her community.

Sarah Hernandez, AGE 16

Through Our Eyes
This photo is showing hope through my eyes as an LA native, with the hope that one day people will become aware and care about our environment. The hope that people can see that LA isn't that perfect place that many imagine. LA is filled with hopes and dreams, but we must also learn to see the true LA. See LA with its struggles and hardships. See its good and bad sides. We can't love and accept without seeing the full picture.

ABOUT ME
My name is Sarah Hernandez. I am a 16-year-old girl, Mexican-American, born and raised in LA. I discovered my love for photography at a young age. I have a particular passion for capturing moments from my travels, the beauty around me, and the people I love—my family and friends. Looking back at my photos brings me joy, as I often find myself laughing or smiling while reminiscing. I use photography because photos will always remain where they are while also holding memories and thoughts within them. Making new memories is important to me because I feel that you should live the life you want to live while also having fun adventures. I hope to share these memories through photos and stories with future generations in my family, inspiring them to do the same—making memories and living their best lives.

Semmia (Mía Leonor Rovira), AGE 17

Warm Embrace
As Semmia completes her final project as a high school student with Las Fotos Project, she further reflects upon the home she leaves behind as she transitions into living in a new environment for college. Warm Embrace comprises a diptych photo technique presenting a family archive of Semmia's younger self embraced by her grandfather, shown above a photograph named Recuerdos documenting the space she was raised in and one she will forever cherish.

ABOUT ME
Semmia is a 17-year-old photographer based in Los Angeles whose work is deeply rooted in the cultural ties of their Zapotec heritage. She began her photography practice at age 11 with AMP Studios in Highland Park and later pursued her passion with Las Fotos Project. Semmia’s intention with photography is to highlight her underrepresented communities, capturing the essence of their abundance. She aims to tell a story of resilience, beauty, and pride through each photo.

Stephanie Vazquez, AGE 17

Untitled
My art is a reflection of who I am and was. I wanted to show myself reflecting on how much I’ve grown but also still stayed the same. Growing up is a big part of life and I don’t want to let my childhood fade away. My class helped remind me to not leave my old self behind, even when time flies.

ABOUT ME
Stephanie Vazquez is a 17-year-old artist with a Mexican-Salvadorian background. She creates art that explores colors, the natural world, and childhood. She is inspired by loved ones and thoughts of the future. Through her work, she wants people to see who she is and what she loves. She believes art is powerful because it allows people to emotionally connect, no matter their differences, and that is what she wants photography to achieve.

Zubi "Zubella" Sanchez Parra, AGE 16

Untitled Dress 2026
This dress is representative of me and how I have changed as I’ve grown up. On the dress, I transferred 3 images that all depict me at some point in my life. The first image is a double exposure of me in my home back when I was 4 with a photo of my home now. The second is me now and me as a kid. Finally, the last photo is a recent portrait of just me, taken a few weeks ago.

ABOUT ME
Zubi Sanchez is a chicana photographer, born and raised in Lincoln Heights. She is 16 years old and a sophomore at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. Zubi first started doing photography in 2022 as a means of expressing herself, and with the help of Las Fotos Project she has grown as an artist. Her work is influenced by her culture, friends, and ongoing issues, whether it’s politics or mental health. She has since worked on her technical as well as artistic skills. She hopes to continue incorporating more mixed media in her work.