Los Angeles

Doorways

Los Angeles understands the importance of setting a scene. Full of distinct and exceptional architecture, the city packs the diversity of its citizens into its doorways. Exemplifying the separation of two worlds, the doorway offers a glimpse of what might be inside, offers us a way to psychologically prepare ourselves before entering a new space. 

Tiles decorating an edge, or a distinct shape may catch the eye of a passerby. They might stop to admire the coordination of the entryway and imagine the life of those who pass through it. 

I have moved homes every few years of my life. After adjusting to this lifestyle, I find myself disconnecting from a place even without any physical displacement. For me, this detachment occurs with a sudden realization that the place I am in is not where I want to be anymore. There is an old cliché that says, “when one door closes, another one opens.” This saying suits  Los Angeles, where you feel the thrum of anticipation in the air as people continue moving and continue chasing their dreams. Each LA doorway is transient, normalizing displacement and change.

The art deco cityscape lends some old Hollywood glam, Little Tokyo focuses on details, and the Arts District revives its scene with color and funk. The Fairfax and Melrose neighborhoods capture some of these styles with some added youth. 

Every entryway has character: 

perhaps it’s waiting,

hopeful,

aging and lively,

or meticulously crafted.

Accents like brass locks and wooden handles, and even the lighting setup can affect how we view the doorway. 

It may seem like a nondescript aspect of a home, but these small details embed meaning into the door.

 The next time you’re walking home or around a place you’ve never been before, take notice of the doorways. You might be surprised.

Words and Photos: Samhita Sen