California Concrete

Amir Zaki's California Concrete captures the artistic essence of skateparks in Southern California, exploring their architectural significance and cultural impact through stunning photography.

In California Concrete, Amir Zaki explores the intricate relationship between skateboarding and architecture in Southern California, the birthplace of skate culture. Growing up skateboarding, Zaki developed a profound appreciation for the large concrete structures that serve as both functional skateparks and artistic expressions. His photographs capture these spaces in a unique light, emphasizing their sculptural qualities and their significance within the contemporary landscape. Renowned figures like Tony Hawk and architect Peter Zellner underscore the importance of Zaki's work, highlighting the dialogue between skateboarding and architectural design.

Zaki's photographic process is meticulous, involving early morning shoots where he climbs inside empty bowls and pipes to capture their essence without the presence of skaters. Each image is a composite of numerous shots, resulting in high-resolution visuals that can be appreciated at large scales. The use of a telephoto lens creates a distinct flattening effect, while the wide angle exaggerates spatial depth, offering viewers a fresh perspective on these familiar landscapes. This innovative approach allows Zaki to present skateparks as more than mere recreational spaces; he invites us to see them as integral components of urban design and public art.

The essays by Tony Hawk and Peter Zellner provide further insight into Zaki's work. Hawk reminisces about the freedom he felt as a child in skateparks, while Zellner draws parallels between skateparks and Brutalist architecture. Both perspectives highlight the duality of skateparks as functional spaces designed for thrill and pleasure, yet also as artistic landscapes that reflect the history and evolution of design in Southern California. California Concrete ultimately reveals the complex interplay between sport, art, and architecture, making a compelling case for the cultural significance of skateparks in contemporary society.