Rotem Rozental
@rotroz.bsky.social
Executive Director and Chief Curator, Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) | Lecturer, USC Roski School of Art and Design | Writer and Author of Pre-State Photographic Archives and the Zionist Movement: https://tinyurl.com/4mwxwhu2
“Celebrity photos are celebrity photos. Politicians are not celebrities. Let’s not mix things up.”
December 19, 2025 at 2:41 PM
“Celebrity photos are celebrity photos. Politicians are not celebrities. Let’s not mix things up.”
"The main issue is archiving our online activity and communication"—Prof. Eivind Røssaak
We're obsessed with documenting everything online, but we're losing it faster than we can save it. Every deleted platform, every broken link, every account that disappears.
We're obsessed with documenting everything online, but we're losing it faster than we can save it. Every deleted platform, every broken link, every account that disappears.
December 16, 2025 at 2:44 PM
"The main issue is archiving our online activity and communication"—Prof. Eivind Røssaak
We're obsessed with documenting everything online, but we're losing it faster than we can save it. Every deleted platform, every broken link, every account that disappears.
We're obsessed with documenting everything online, but we're losing it faster than we can save it. Every deleted platform, every broken link, every account that disappears.
The viral idea expands, multiplies and transmutes. Beyond that, the modality of the virus necessitates a change in vision: it changes the system from within
Virality, Hacking and Vision
What can viruses teach us about change, creativity and the need to adapt?
rotroz.substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:29 PM
The viral idea expands, multiplies and transmutes. Beyond that, the modality of the virus necessitates a change in vision: it changes the system from within
An excerpt from an essay I wrote about the act of photography as an act of collecting, in honor of Martin Parr, who passed away this weekend
The Camera and the Collecting Gene
An excerpt from an essay I wrote about the act of photography as an act of collecting, in honor of Martin Parr, who passed away this weekend
rotroz.substack.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:42 PM
An excerpt from an essay I wrote about the act of photography as an act of collecting, in honor of Martin Parr, who passed away this weekend
I was saddened to hear about Martin Parr's passing (1952-2025). This is how I first discovered his work. I was struck by her eyes, the boys’ stare, the defiantly chaotic composition. His images, always full of humor, revealed significant aspects of societal rituals & how nations visualize themselves
December 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
I was saddened to hear about Martin Parr's passing (1952-2025). This is how I first discovered his work. I was struck by her eyes, the boys’ stare, the defiantly chaotic composition. His images, always full of humor, revealed significant aspects of societal rituals & how nations visualize themselves
#OpenSea announced the founding of a #digitalmuseum for #NFTs to highlight the artists that shaped the ecosystem.
I wonder if attempt to articulate a legacy of the originators of blockchain art says something about where NFTs are headed, following the (predictable) burst of the #crypto bubble
I wonder if attempt to articulate a legacy of the originators of blockchain art says something about where NFTs are headed, following the (predictable) burst of the #crypto bubble
NFTs Want to Be the Future of Digital Art
Yes, those words can still make sense together. In fact, NFTs provide an intriguing window into the possible commercial and conceptual prospects of the field
open.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:58 PM
#OpenSea announced the founding of a #digitalmuseum for #NFTs to highlight the artists that shaped the ecosystem.
I wonder if attempt to articulate a legacy of the originators of blockchain art says something about where NFTs are headed, following the (predictable) burst of the #crypto bubble
I wonder if attempt to articulate a legacy of the originators of blockchain art says something about where NFTs are headed, following the (predictable) burst of the #crypto bubble
I had a great time as a guest on Fabio Matos Cruz’s podcast, New Form. Listen now to our conversation about generative AI and its impact on #photography - we discussed the emergence of the physical photographic objects, the challenges photographers face and future trends >>
Rotem Rozental: The New Lens of Photography
open.spotify.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:11 PM
I had a great time as a guest on Fabio Matos Cruz’s podcast, New Form. Listen now to our conversation about generative AI and its impact on #photography - we discussed the emergence of the physical photographic objects, the challenges photographers face and future trends >>
When you’re an immigrant you get to choose what traditions to maintain and how to cultivate new rituals and stories for the next generation.
In other words, we went to the movies and adopted a turkey named Serena, who is, I’m told, a Swiftie 🦃
In other words, we went to the movies and adopted a turkey named Serena, who is, I’m told, a Swiftie 🦃
Thanksgiving at the Movies
And inspirational holiday traditions: How do we share stories about our culture with the next generation?
open.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 6:26 PM
When you’re an immigrant you get to choose what traditions to maintain and how to cultivate new rituals and stories for the next generation.
In other words, we went to the movies and adopted a turkey named Serena, who is, I’m told, a Swiftie 🦃
In other words, we went to the movies and adopted a turkey named Serena, who is, I’m told, a Swiftie 🦃
"I mean, modern dentistry is great. But your dentist doesn’t insist you worship him."
The Writer Who Dared Criticize Silicon Valley
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:43 PM
"I mean, modern dentistry is great. But your dentist doesn’t insist you worship him."
Reposted by Rotem Rozental
Great article & message. Small presses are the art form's bulwark against the oligarchic decay infecting all sides of our culture.
Shop at indie bookstores that spotlight indie books. Ask your local library to carry them. Buy from them directly! Keep the spark alive
Shop at indie bookstores that spotlight indie books. Ask your local library to carry them. Buy from them directly! Keep the spark alive
wrote an article for @thebookseller.com outlining to the industry why small presses are the lifeforce & future of book production. Pls share esp w people who may not know what small press publishers do!
www.thebookseller.com/comment/dont...
www.thebookseller.com/comment/dont...
Don’t invest in AI, invest in the future of the book
Why the publishing industry must back small presses, rather than LLMs.
www.thebookseller.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Great article & message. Small presses are the art form's bulwark against the oligarchic decay infecting all sides of our culture.
Shop at indie bookstores that spotlight indie books. Ask your local library to carry them. Buy from them directly! Keep the spark alive
Shop at indie bookstores that spotlight indie books. Ask your local library to carry them. Buy from them directly! Keep the spark alive
Notes about urban spaces, traces of past lives, their impact on the present and the photographs in between, in advance of a new exhibition opening this Saturday at LACP, with works by Flora Kao, Emilene Orozco, Toyo Miyatake, (1914), Mike Saijo, Chikashi Tanaka and the Fuji Film Studio >>>
How to Make Time Visible
Notes about urban spaces, traces of past lives, their impact on the present and the photographs in between, in advance of a new exhibition opening this Saturday at LACP
rotroz.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Notes about urban spaces, traces of past lives, their impact on the present and the photographs in between, in advance of a new exhibition opening this Saturday at LACP, with works by Flora Kao, Emilene Orozco, Toyo Miyatake, (1914), Mike Saijo, Chikashi Tanaka and the Fuji Film Studio >>>
My conversation with Michael Howard about founding Foto app, wanting photographers to connect IRL, and taking back social media from advertisers
#Photoapp #FotoApp #Photocommunity #photosky
#Photoapp #FotoApp #Photocommunity #photosky
High Resolution: Conversation with Michael Howard
Foto's Co-Founder comes to Bytesize to discuss creating a photographer-friendly app and building community in the age of AI
rotroz.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:08 PM
My conversation with Michael Howard about founding Foto app, wanting photographers to connect IRL, and taking back social media from advertisers
#Photoapp #FotoApp #Photocommunity #photosky
#Photoapp #FotoApp #Photocommunity #photosky
Thoughts about the moment of post-internet art, iconic video works and the poetry of Google search terms
#MarthaRosler #VideoArt #PostInternet #Xennials #Xennial @bsky.art #AdWords #AdWordsPoetry
#MarthaRosler #VideoArt #PostInternet #Xennials #Xennial @bsky.art #AdWords #AdWordsPoetry
AdWords of the Kitchen
Thoughts about the moment of post-internet art, iconic video works and the poetry Google search terms
rotroz.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Thoughts about the moment of post-internet art, iconic video works and the poetry of Google search terms
#MarthaRosler #VideoArt #PostInternet #Xennials #Xennial @bsky.art #AdWords #AdWordsPoetry
#MarthaRosler #VideoArt #PostInternet #Xennials #Xennial @bsky.art #AdWords #AdWordsPoetry
This week will mark 30 years since the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. I will be talking about about Israeli photography in the wake of this trauma, as well as the meeting points of documentation and loss this Tuesday, in a webinar organized by Orange County CSP
Register:
Register:
Between Documentation, Loss and Memory: Israeli Photography After Rabin's Assassination (Dr Rotem Rozental)
occsp.dm.networkforgood.com
November 1, 2025 at 5:55 PM
This week will mark 30 years since the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. I will be talking about about Israeli photography in the wake of this trauma, as well as the meeting points of documentation and loss this Tuesday, in a webinar organized by Orange County CSP
Register:
Register:
From unexpected conversations in dive bars to how tech companies sell emotional relationships, here are great reads to put on your radar, by @lisabubert.bsky.social at @noemamag.com, @tedchiang.bsky.social @adamgrant.bsky.social & @karintamerius.bsky.social
#thirdplaces #aicompanions #greatreads
#thirdplaces #aicompanions #greatreads
AI Companions, Frictionless Life and Much Needed Hugs
From unexpected conversations in dive bars to how tech companies sell emotional relationships, here are recent great reads to put on your radar
rotroz.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:41 PM
From unexpected conversations in dive bars to how tech companies sell emotional relationships, here are great reads to put on your radar, by @lisabubert.bsky.social at @noemamag.com, @tedchiang.bsky.social @adamgrant.bsky.social & @karintamerius.bsky.social
#thirdplaces #aicompanions #greatreads
#thirdplaces #aicompanions #greatreads
#KristineSchomaker is a force! Tune in to my conversation with the artist, educator, mentor, publisher, organizer (and more titles!) about #creativity in the age of #AI, and best practices for artists who feel overwhelmed
@bsky.art
#artistmentor #losangelesart #bytesize #rotemrozental #artist
@bsky.art
#artistmentor #losangelesart #bytesize #rotemrozental #artist
High Resolution: Conversation with Kristine Schomaker, Shoebox Arts
The artist, organizer, connector, and mentor joins Bytesize to share tips for artists, discuss what excites her in the art world and tech advancements, and explore creativity in the age of AI
rotroz.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
#KristineSchomaker is a force! Tune in to my conversation with the artist, educator, mentor, publisher, organizer (and more titles!) about #creativity in the age of #AI, and best practices for artists who feel overwhelmed
@bsky.art
#artistmentor #losangelesart #bytesize #rotemrozental #artist
@bsky.art
#artistmentor #losangelesart #bytesize #rotemrozental #artist
Our brain’s capacity for curiosity and unpredictability is what distinguishes humanity from #AI, and it might just be our golden ticket out of an engineered age of stupidity.
@bsky.art #ArtificialCuriosity #ElmgreenandDragset
@bsky.art #ArtificialCuriosity #ElmgreenandDragset
Surprise! You’re Human
Our brain’s capacity for curiosity and unpredictability is what distinguishes humanity from AI, and it might just be our golden ticket out of an engineered age of stupidity
rotroz.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Our brain’s capacity for curiosity and unpredictability is what distinguishes humanity from #AI, and it might just be our golden ticket out of an engineered age of stupidity.
@bsky.art #ArtificialCuriosity #ElmgreenandDragset
@bsky.art #ArtificialCuriosity #ElmgreenandDragset
Installation views, from the exhibition Lost and Found by Matthew Finley at LACP.
If you’re in LA, join us on November 6 for Matthew’s book launch and closing event!
Photos by Yulia Morris
lacphoto.org/events/matth...
If you’re in LA, join us on November 6 for Matthew’s book launch and closing event!
Photos by Yulia Morris
lacphoto.org/events/matth...
October 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Installation views, from the exhibition Lost and Found by Matthew Finley at LACP.
If you’re in LA, join us on November 6 for Matthew’s book launch and closing event!
Photos by Yulia Morris
lacphoto.org/events/matth...
If you’re in LA, join us on November 6 for Matthew’s book launch and closing event!
Photos by Yulia Morris
lacphoto.org/events/matth...
From #RachelAviv to #JennyOdell and #TaylorSwift (yes), this week I’m thinking and reading about well-being and creativity, and how vision plays into our sense of agency and self-worth. I thought some of these resources might be helpful or inspiring for you as well »
Eyes Wide Shut: On Vision, Self Worth and Creativity
From Rachel Aviv to Taylor Swift (yes, that’s right), the reclamation of personal and artistic agency might be determined - or remedied - by looking, and looking again
rotroz.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:09 PM
From #RachelAviv to #JennyOdell and #TaylorSwift (yes), this week I’m thinking and reading about well-being and creativity, and how vision plays into our sense of agency and self-worth. I thought some of these resources might be helpful or inspiring for you as well »
The new season of Monster focuses on a horrific serial killer. It also crafts a message about our relationship with #photography, capturing mortality and our fascination with images of death
#truecrime #horrorfilm #netflix @netflix.com
#truecrime #horrorfilm #netflix @netflix.com
When Weegee Met Ryan Murphy
The new season of Monster focuses on a horrific serial killer. It also crafts a message about our relationship with photography, capturing mortality and our fascination with images of death
rotroz.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 12:23 PM
The new season of Monster focuses on a horrific serial killer. It also crafts a message about our relationship with #photography, capturing mortality and our fascination with images of death
#truecrime #horrorfilm #netflix @netflix.com
#truecrime #horrorfilm #netflix @netflix.com
@jacobgaboury.bsky.social showed how graphics revolutionized the modern computer and ushered the digital era. With that, we need to consider the pixel as the building blocks of the phygital world and pixel artists as those who render them visible
@bsky.art @photos.bsky.art
@bsky.art @photos.bsky.art
Pixel Art and the Gateway to the Phygital World
Graphics revolutionized the modern computer, and pixels transported all of us to digital existence. A look at the building blocks of life as we know them today
rotroz.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 1:45 PM
@jacobgaboury.bsky.social showed how graphics revolutionized the modern computer and ushered the digital era. With that, we need to consider the pixel as the building blocks of the phygital world and pixel artists as those who render them visible
@bsky.art @photos.bsky.art
@bsky.art @photos.bsky.art
I noticed a turn to documentary approaches this year, and I wonder if this perspective says something about a need to structure and find order in an increasingly divided, conflicted world
#photography #documentaryphotography #criticalmass #photocompetition
#photography #documentaryphotography #criticalmass #photocompetition
Highlights from Critical Mass 2025: Documentary Perspectives
The leading photography competition announced its Top 50, and now I can share with you projects that caught my attention while jurying
open.substack.com
October 6, 2025 at 1:55 PM
I noticed a turn to documentary approaches this year, and I wonder if this perspective says something about a need to structure and find order in an increasingly divided, conflicted world
#photography #documentaryphotography #criticalmass #photocompetition
#photography #documentaryphotography #criticalmass #photocompetition
OpenAI is getting ready for a face off with TikTok. What will that mean for visual culture?
@bsky.art
@bsky.art
No Filters: Sora 2 Wants to Be the New TikTok
Need more reasons to worry about social media, copyright, and mental health? OpenAI’s new video app asks you to hold its beer
open.substack.com
October 2, 2025 at 2:10 PM
OpenAI is getting ready for a face off with TikTok. What will that mean for visual culture?
@bsky.art
@bsky.art
Emerging artists could use third places to casually and informally meet and connect with other creatives in person and find a creative community that would allow them to figure out their voice, try new things, and have just, you know, fun
@bsky.art
@bsky.art
Leave Your Phone at the Door
Go get coffee. Step into a bookstore. Talk to a bartender. Your creative career will thank you
rotroz.substack.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Emerging artists could use third places to casually and informally meet and connect with other creatives in person and find a creative community that would allow them to figure out their voice, try new things, and have just, you know, fun
@bsky.art
@bsky.art
D4vd's unfolding descent from the heights of musical Olympus merits our attention due to the role technology, Gen Z engagement, virality and pop culture play in it. And before that aspect of this story gets buried under the headlines, here's a modest attempt to mark a moment in time >>
Here With Me: About D4VD, Gen Z Culture and Unexpected Tragedies
A modest attempt to articulate the importance of online engagement in chronicling the meteoric rise and recent tragic fall of a generational icon
rotroz.substack.com
September 22, 2025 at 1:53 PM
D4vd's unfolding descent from the heights of musical Olympus merits our attention due to the role technology, Gen Z engagement, virality and pop culture play in it. And before that aspect of this story gets buried under the headlines, here's a modest attempt to mark a moment in time >>