The Mish

San Francisco’s Mission district is a diverse and continually evolving neighborhood known for its working-class Latino immigrants, vibrant murals, and classical architecture. Centered around Dolores Park, the local culture and eclectic food bring people to its graffiti-filled alleys with lowriders cruising up & down 16th and 24th street.

I first encountered the Mission after moving to the Bay Area from Southern California. It struck me with a strange familiarity, melancholy, and uneasiness. My curiosity grew and so began my visual exploration.

The Mission District has weathered many hardships like civil unrest, recessions, and gentrification. My work over the years began during the last term of Barack Obama, endured the Trump administration, a global pandemic, and the beginning of President Joe Biden’s government.

I have witnessed the Mission’s familiar events such as Cinco de Mayo, the Carnaval, and Dia de Los Muertos. But more often, I walk its streets to observe the mundane and absurd only to realize a deep connection and discovered similarities to my own culture - as a person of color bounded by spirituality, religion, and the vestiges of colonization.

Witness: Ben Molina

Mainly interested in making candid photographs in public spaces and finding the ephemeral relationship of the everyday objects.

Images taken with: 

Leica M4+35mm Summicron

Leica M4-P+28mm Elmarit