In a celebration of the construction workers who brought the L.A. Metro’s D Line to life, a new photo book and exhibition highlight their contributions. Ken Karagozian, a renowned photographer, has worked alongside historian India Mandelkern on this significant project.
Photo Project Honors Workers Building L.A. Metro’s D Line
The project centers on the extension of the D Line, a crucial addition to Los Angeles’s public transit system. This subway expansion runs from Koreatown to Westwood, with new stations planned at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega. Future extensions will reach Beverly Hills, Century City, and Westwood.
Documenting the Journey
Karagozian began capturing images of the Metro system’s construction in 1995. His passion for storytelling through photography led him to highlight the lives of the workers involved. He wanted to ensure their contributions did not go unrecognized, as past builders often weren’t acknowledged.
In a recent collaboration with Mandelkern, they produced a photo book titled “Wilshire Subway: The Making of the D Line Subway Extension.” The book details the complex history and challenges faced by workers during the project. The authors explore the social implications of this construction, emphasizing the impact on communities and the individuals who make infrastructure possible.
The Exhibition
A related photo exhibition, “Wilshire Subway: Photographed by Ken Karagozian,” is currently on display at the 1301PE art gallery in Los Angeles. This exhibition runs until May 14, offering free admission and showcasing the photographs that tell the story of the construction workers.
- Exhibition Location: 1301PE art gallery
- Address: 6150 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
- Exhibition Dates: Through May 14
- Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday
- Opening Reception: Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Reflections on the Project
As the D Line prepares to open on May 8, both Karagozian and Mandelkern reflect on the significance of their work. They describe this project as not only a documentation of construction but a preservation of stories that form the backbone of Los Angeles’s evolving identity.
Mandelkern emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical layers beneath the city, encouraging curiosity about underground histories. Karagozian, renowned for his focus on the people behind construction, highlights the personal stories that emerge from such monumental projects.
This celebration of workers and their contributions marks a vital acknowledgment of the labor behind the infrastructure of Los Angeles. As the D Line begins its service, the stories captured in this project will ensure that those who built it are remembered.
