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Part of the exclusive online showroom developed by All About Photo, this exhibition is on view for the month of January 2023 and includes seventeen photographs from the series ‘Bombay Beach’.

BOMBAY BEACH by Bram Coppens

Bombay Beach is a place in Imperial County, California, USA. The population was 231 at the 2020 census. It is located on the Salton Sea, and is the lowest community in the United States, located 223 feet (68 m) below sea level.

It was once a popular getaway for beachgoers until the 1980s, when the draining and increasing salinity of the Salton Sea destroyed the lake's ecosystem and drove businesses and private landowners out of the area, rendering Bombay Beach a ghost town. Despite this, by 2018, a number of people had moved into the area, and the town's many abandoned structures and features from its past have drawn visitors back in. Bombay Beach was "enjoying a rebirth of sorts with an influx of artists, intellectuals, and hipsters who have turned it into a bohemian playground." The Bombay Beach Biennale, an annual art festival, is held here.

More info: all-about-photo.com | Instagram | coppens.studio

#1

bramskibeat Report

Barry Patterson
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It says Drive In but nowhere does it say Drive Out. Those poor people. The show was "Closed for the winter".

A Bobcat From Philly
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is where they found the three blondes frozen to death waiting for "Closed For Winter" to start...

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Deson
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh if that is restorable then that would be awesome. Drive in theaters are getting pretty rare.

Living in Los Angeles at that time, I knew the Salton Sea, so it was on my list to visit for years. Hearing that it was turning into some sort of artist micro community triggered me to finally do that road trip and go.

Arriving there and while waiting for the perfect light situation, I was drawn by the atmosphere and the artistic community, but above all drawn by the desolate vibes.

As I wanted to translate this desolate vibe into a visually driven language and capture the authentic look and feel of the moment, I tried to steer away from any obvious new art installation and tried to focus on the dead Salton Sea part, the ghost part of the town.

The series was shot in Bombay Beach, California in 2019 on Medium format analog 6x6 film.

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    #2

    bramskibeat Report

    Klopec
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Very weird, I love it.

    Billie Templeton
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because... There's a cow on the roof! That's why.

    Mike Fitzpatrick
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Which house are you in? You can't miss it, there's a cow on the roof.

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    #4

    bramskibeat Report

    Alexandria Z
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tire service got 'tired' OK OK I;ll show myself out.

    #5

    bramskibeat Report

    Carrie Kelly
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd run away from home if my family made me ride anywhere in that contraption. (see what I did there).

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    #8

    bramskibeat Report

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    #10

    bramskibeat Report

    Deson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Clever reuse of a sign I see. Very cool.

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    #11

    bramskibeat Report

    Helena
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone elses brain go to weird dirty place with this one?

    Jeremy Evans
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i've been here. It is pretty cool

    #12

    bramskibeat Report

    Alexandria Z
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Home away from.......everything.

    Epona
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Interesting that this camper/RV does not look like it is in horrible condition, compared to the other vehicles. Dated, sure, but potentially driveable and livable. After fumigating, of course!

    C C
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the hills have eyes

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    #14

    bramskibeat Report

    Alexandria Z
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Luxury condo available. Easy terms.

    A Bobcat From Philly
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For the low price of $2500 mo. Utilities not included.

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    #15

    bramskibeat Report

    Alexandria Z
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like it. Bet there used to be lots of good relaxing going on there.

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. This would look amazing in b+w .

    Cecil Williams
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A yard with a shade tree and a swing. What's not to like?

    #16

    bramskibeat Report

    Teresa Garcia
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Half of the photos are not Bombay Beach but are at salvation mountain at the Slabs, 20 miles from Bombay Beach. I know because I have been a weekender or resident since 1965.

    Abgr Xenda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so people just dropped their cars and vans and left?

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    Elchinero
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The "'Sultan' Sea" area ...

    Old Roadie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Salton Sea, yes! Used to be thriving community until it began to dry up. Now you can smell the rotting fish miles before you reach the place.

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    #17

    bramskibeat Report

    Klopec
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The meaning of stark!

    Bob Lattimore
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Driven through the area, it's missing one thing: Smell-O-Vision!

    Bob Lattimore
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Driven through the area... but it's missing one thing: Smell-O-Vision!

    Carrie Kelly
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they don't get much rain out there.

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