This event is the first for Lens on Life in Los Angeles and launches Azadeh Shladovsky Studio's new space and programming. The Studio was created as an opportunity to challenge preconceived notions of how artists collaborate and exhibit. Not only does this space represent the arc of Azadeh's multi-disciplinary practice, its foundation rests upon engagement and community building. Anchored in the deconstruction of visual consciousness, the Studio's program is solely dedicated to activating people and organizations who are working to shift our collective narrative around populations that remain unseen. The hope is this programming will create a new way of seeing, foster empathy, ignite action, and make meaningful and lasting changes in our communities near and far.

“Lens on Life has succeeded in creating a ‘voice’ for marginalized youth to express themselves...Lens on Life brings into reality the ‘butterfly effect’ so often talked about – a small event in time that produces a sea-change in people’s lives.” Dr. Curt Rhodes, Questscope Founder & International Director

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Lens on Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supporting photography and computer literacy training for at-risk youth in the US and around the world. By cooperating with host organizations, we build spaces to help students overcome trauma, grow artistically and gain skills to enter the global marketplace.‍

Philip-Daniel Ducasse was born in Canada, raised in Haiti and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. Drawn to photographing those who are traditionally underrepresented, including immigrants like himself, Ducasse aims to provide a platform upon which to celebrate the cultures and talents of his subjects.  His work has been featured in publications such as British Vogue, Cultured, Fantastic Man, i-D, M Le magazine du Monde, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, US Vogue, and WSJ.  Ducasse is an active member of the Creative Advisory Board of Lens on Life Project.

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