Dogtown by Dotan Saguy

DOGTOWN is a street photography project that captures the lively and humanistic essence of the dogs of Venice Beach, California. The book draws its name from »Dogtown«, an area of West Los Angeles known for the rebellious surfers and skateboarders who populated the slums of Venice and Santa Monica’s Ocean Park in the 1960s and 70s. This cultural phenomenon has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence new generations. Today, it is the dogs of all breeds and social statuses that have taken over Venice Beach, many of whom have adopted Dogtown’s iconic skateboarding culture. American photographer Dotan Saguy masterfully showcases these dogs in unexpected, humorous, and touching moments, captured in expressive black and white photography. His images emphasize the gritty reality and dynamic energy of Venice Beach life, reflecting the spontaneity and unpredictable nature of his canine subjects. In a modern homage to Elliott Erwitt, Saguy’s work highlights the quirky and emotional spirit of the dogs and DOGTOWN is a musthave for dog lovers and anyone captivated by the enduring spirit of this iconic locale.

From the text A Bit of Dogtown History by Dotan Saguy: As the surf was not always up, however, skateboarding also became a popular afternoon activity among this group. Right around the same time two major developments collided into a perfect storm of opportunity for the Z-Boys. First, the invention of grippy polyurethane wheels enabled the young surfers to replicate their quick low turns on asphalt. And second, a major drought struck Southern California, forcing residents to let their private swimming pools dry out. This combination prompted the Z-Boys to start skating the empty private pools of surrounding upscale neighborhoods, inventing new skateboarding moves that we still take for granted today—at least until the cops showed up and everybody split. The rest is history.

From the text Why a Book About Dogs by Dotan Saguy: ''Those who know my street and documentary photography work may wonder: why dogs? Dogs have been a big part of my personal life. I grew up with a boxer rescue named Gus and now my sixyear- old Goldendoodle Beau sometimes accompanies me on my street photography adventures. Canines were already well represented in my 2018 book Venice Beach, but after completing that body of work I decided that dogs were so central to Venice—and to my heart—that they deserved their own photography project.''

Dotan Saguy resides in Los Angeles, California. He has been conducting street photography, travel and documentary workshops for Leica Akademie and more recently through his own company, Storyteller Workshops, launched in collaboration with his editor and friend Gail Fisher. His award-winning photography has been featured by National Geographic, The Guardian, The Los Angeles Times, and other prominent publications. His debut monograph, Venice Beach: The Last Days of a Bohemian Paradise, released in 2018 by Kehrer Verlag and now in its second edition, received a Bronze award from the prestigious Deutscher Fotobuchpreis. With DOGTOWN, Kehrer Verlag presents Saguy's third monograph, continuing his exploration of vibrant street life and subcultures.