Estevan Oriol is an American photographer and director from Los Angeles, California. Best known for his distinct, gritty 35mm black and white work, documenting chicano, cholo culture (and Los Angeles gang culture at large), as well as celebrities within film and hip-hop, and lingerie work, his images have been featured in magazines, on album covers and in exhibitions across the world. [3] Oriol is also known for directing several music videos for the likes of Blink 182, D12, Cypress Hill and more, as well as for his partnerships with life-long friend and collaborator, Mister Cartoon for Joker Brand Clothing
and Soul Assassins Studios, the latter of which the two opened together by way of Cypress Hill's producer, DJ Muggs.
He has photographed both gang members and celebrities alike, bringing notoriety to capturing photos of LA Fingers,[4] the main photo taken in 1995 was featured in several magazines and copied or bootlegged for tattoos and t-shirts.[1] His work has been featured in magazines such as Complex,FHM,GQ,Vibe,Rolling Stone,The Source and many more.
Career
Oriol was born in Santa Monica[5] to a father who was also a photographer.[1] Oriol moved to Hollywood at the age of 19[6] and was inspired by writer and artist Teen Angel (David Holland).[1] He started his career as a bouncer at hip-hop clubs before moving on to tour manage Cypress Hill and House of Pain. During that time he began documenting his life on the road.[citation needed]
His L.A. fingers photo was taken in 1995.[1] In 2004, he participated in the elaboration of the videogame GTA San Andreas. In 2008 he captured Snoop Dogg's Ego Trippin' album cover.[7] Oriol has gone on to direct music videos for rock and hip-hop artists. He has also released books and calendars, including LA Woman, published in 2009 by Drago.[8] In March 2018, Oriol was announced as the new Creative Director for media company BallerStatus.com. He has also become a partner.[9] Oriol directed and was the focus of the 2020 Netflix documentary LA Originals, chronicling his and Mister Cartoon's lives as chicano creatives and ambassadors in art, hip-hop and counterculture.[6][10]
