Music, Lowriders, and Skateboards

Photography by Jonathan Rodriguez

Documentary photographer Jonathan Rodriguez revisits his 2018 project and zine, “Crossing Borders”, about the counter-culture along the U.S. and Mexican border.

San Diego, California

What is your history as a photographer and artist?

I’ve always been into shooting photos on my phone whether it was to document my travels or because I thought something looked cool. It wasn’t until early 2016 when my friend Alberto Figueroa, who is a great photographer and has taught me a lot, handed me my first film camera. It wasn’t until a few months later that I had gathered the confidence to bring it out to shoot photos at a punk show in Tijuana then Chicano Park Day the following day.

What inspired your project “Crossing Borders”?

Growing up Mexican-American and constantly visiting Mexico to visit family. I’ve always been interested into counter-culture across the border. This zine was me documenting my first hand exposure to my regular interests in Mexico. I had never experienced punk shows, skateboarding, parties, or hanging with friends in Mexico. I was always with family so I wanted to document this new experience and world I was introduced to.

What was the process like?

I shot a couple of photos in Barrio Logan in San Diego, California during La Vuelta but a majority of them were shot during my first trip to Mexico City. I fell in love and tried shooting as much as possible. I always had two cameras on me. A lot were also shot in Tijuana while being out skateboarding and attending punk shows. Overall, it took around 9 months to collect enough photos I was happy to present as my first zine .

Who were your subjects?

They were my friends, random sights I found interesting, people off of the streets, and some of my favorite bands: Calafia Puta, Hong Kong Fuck you, and Infest.

You featured live music and skateboarding- why were these subjects important to include in this narrative?

Skateboarding and music have always played a huge role in my life and helped mold me into the person that I am today. I’ve always wanted to do music and I finally took the initiative to start a band with a couple friends last year. I’ve been grateful with the opportunity to express myself in a new way. Seeing first hand how active and genuine people in Mexico are about skateboarding and music was refreshing. They have an energy that cannot be matched in the United States.

What were some challenges you came across? What were the fun adventures?

Doubt is always the greatest challenge since it was my first printed body of work but patience was definitely another one. I had a lot of fun along the way which has helped motivate me to create new ones about every 6 months or so.

I love seeing and feeling printed work. It allows the viewer to truly admire everything compared to viewing it on a phone screen.

This project was in 2018-what are your thoughts about this now? How have you grown and changed?

I wouldn’t say much has changed. I still love all the photos in there and I’m glad people have recently been telling me they also really enjoyed it.

What are you working on now? What's next for you?

I was working on collecting photos to present at an art show with friends but due to Covid-19, that has been put on hold. I would love to make a zine dedicated strictly to the punk and art scene including photos and interviews with my favorite bands and artists. I’ve that had idea for years so maybe I’ll act on that this year. Once everything gets better, hopefully i’ll be able to travel to see new sights and shoot a lot of photos to make up for lost time.