In 1975, Hugh Holland had been living in Los Angeles for nine years, photographing everything around him. That same summer, anywhere there was a hard surface, skateboarders appeared everywhere. Southern California was experiencing a major drought, and kids were turning empty swimming pools and dry reservoirs into spontaneous, evaporated playgrounds. Immediately transfixed by the skaters’ grace, athleticism, and sense of style, Holland knew he had found his subject.
All Photos by Hugh Holland
Hugh Holland completely immersed himself in the skateboarders’ world for three years. Against a sometimes harsh but always sunny Southern California landscape, he photographed kids practicing tricks in sun-baked empty lots, swimming pools, drainage ditches, schoolyards, and suburban backyards all over the region.
Photo by Hugh Holland
With their requisite sun-bleached hair, tanned bodies, tube socks, and Vans, these young outsiders have a relaxed Southern California look that has since become iconic. Holland’s new book Silver. Skate. Seventies. masterfully documents their world and the skateboarding culture they invented in the process. A yew-worthy release, it’s a must have for any OG skateboarding fan.
BUY: Silver. Skate. Seventies. California Skateboarding 1975-1978 by Hugh Holland.
The book is also available in a deluxe boxed limited edition.
