2016 Year in Review
Who tf did brujeria on 2016? Although this year had me fucked up, it was damn near historic. At least I think it was, I don’t know I was blacked out for the most of it. I had some pivotal wins, racked up countless L’s but am grateful I made it through the god damn year, for these years build wisdom and that shit is essential. There were twists, and there were turns. The times were tough but my gang was thick. I was productive and got shit done but also warmed the bench and didn’t do shit. I learned to cope with all my burdens a little better and surrounded myself around people who cared. I gained my independence back after years of forcing shitty relationships to work, I traveled to four countries, took tons of photos, published a zine, formed a solid DJ crew that got Oakland parties more poppin, was a part of more photo shows than I can even count right now and really learned who consistently fucked with me through it all. I also blacked out too much, maxed out my credit cards, started smoking cigs, went from baller to breadline real quick, caused seemingly irreversible financial damage and had a couple of dark episodes of depression that I wasn’t sure I’d make out of alive. I sank to new bottoms but developed more strength, character and rolls of film while I was there.
Shout out Nick Garcia and the whole NIGHTED squad. Nighted is fuckin life and I don’t know where tf I would be without that outlet. Shout out to the black belts, my god damn team & the folks at 1AM & Good Mother Gallery for giving me a home and space to be creative when I needed it the most. Thank you for putting me on, being my family and creating a platform for me to share my photography with the community. Ya’ll are the air I breathe.
-Moe Alvarez
