Serious Play

Musician/Vocalist, Nicolette Chiriboga

2012-01-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

After more than a decade: "Outtakes" closes out my 2011 with a Blessed Bang at the new Braj Gallery

2012-01-25T00:39:00.000-08:00

Pre-Installation of main wall. It took about two
hours to sift through the entire collection.

The first Polaroid up: An early Self Portrait taken
on the 7 Train Platform in Queens, NYC circa 1999

Gallery owner Caren Braj standing next
to the first Polaroid placed on the wall.

Though I've been honored to create my brand of Polaroid Installations here in LA, Barcelona, Rome and Paris, at the end of 2011 I was thrilled and proud to present my first solo Art Show at a dear friend's new Gallery Space on Temple Blvd. in Echo Park - A neighborhood close to my heart since I not only lived there for 2 years between 1998-2000, but it also is the place where I was living when I first got inspired to start exclusively shooting with Polaroids for what would be the next ten years. Looking back it seemed an appropriate "coming full circle" moment for me and my cherished Polaroid images taken on all of my travels to end up there first.

It was particularly interesting for me to show video work for the first time. Below is a blurb created for the gallery.

View from the front door. 14 Film shorts were projected on the wall above right.

View from the back of gallery. More images were placed

in a line on the opposite wall of the main installation.

Music Producer, Artist Alejo and friend.

Performing/Visual Artist, Educator Kraig Blue

Family: My brother Hassan Booker, his wife Bet and

my nieces Sabrina, 4 and Aaliyah, 5.

Artist Leland Bankowski and Caren Braj looking good enough to eat.

Colombiana Poet reciting a 10 min piece en espanol.

I've got to get her name from the friend whom invited her!

Taking footage of her partner reciting his politically charged poems.
He did two moving pieces.The two poets and activist's invited are a couple.
It was a Divine experience and the perfect Blessing for the new space.

His name, also still needs to be retrieved.

This is my dear friend and one of biggest supporters Caren Braj; also a painter and film maker and yes, a newly Grammy Nominated Producer (for her Production work on a video for TV on The Radio) was the beautiful platform that made this magical evening possible. We've dreamed of this night and space for many years and we were like two 5 years old's having a blast in the sandbox the 24 hours it took to prepare for the big night which, by the way was a spontaneous decision made just two days before the actual event. In other words on Wed. night we decided to do an opening in her new gallery, Saturday. Looking forward to the closing. Thank You Caren.

"OUTTAKES" Sat. 12/17/11 at Braj Gallery in Echo Park

2011-12-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

I'm putting up my first solo Photo show, joining forces with Gallerista Caren Braj for an evening of short films created between 2007-2009 and an Installation of Polaroids from 1999-2009 taken in LA, NYC, Cuba, Mexico and Colombia. It will also be the first show in her new gallery Echo Park/downtown adjacent. BRAJ GALLERY 1240 W. Temple, 90026 - 7pm til about 11.

Sunset Wheelchair, 2005

Brooklyn String, 2001

Vanessa, Echo Park 2000

Tijuana 1999

Free Elian Protest, Cuba 1999

6 Train heading East, NYC 1999

Some of the shorts that will be projected...

"On The Boat" First short film I made, using a cell phone and music track with the same title at an impromptu after hours in someone's home.

Trailer "The Awakenings of Eva", A group of 6 short films shot in Tijuana Mexico over the weekend of Dec. 12, 2008. Starring of Vanessa Alvarez

Experimental collab with Xaphryn Follicle: Music Video for "Ode Remix" 2009

Ciao Adios Farewell 2010!

2010-12-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Photo taken by Nando Grancelli in Korea Town whilst walking me home from a mutual friends house where we had a sumptuous meal of foods, conversation and acoustic karaoke.

Good ol' 2010. It's been a fruitful year of much transformation, new phases, places and fears and challenges overcome on the interior landscapes of the heart place. Happy Holidays; Be good, and if you can't, Be careful. Play Nice, but do play, Seriously..... Til 2011, friends - HeartLove, Mataji B.

Self Portrait at the Civic Center Metro Station
on my way to happenings on York Blvd. in Highland Park.

Calle Mariposa

2010-10-27T22:46:00.001-07:00

Notes from the Apple

2010-03-30T08:32:00.001-07:00

42nd St. Times Square Subway

Garon Peterson, Gelato Art Salon/Film Festival
relaxing at his home in Brooklyn

Portrait of Self Portrait.

Raindrops over Bedford/Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn

Harley Davidson Club, Brooklyn

Folk Singer/Songwriter Dina Rudean,
Mud Cafe on 9th. St. Manhattan

Coco Booker the Man Chow.

Avante Garde Artist/Music Maker: Stefeye of
Xaphryn Phollicle Dismphoniez
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Astoria, Queens

Avon Handbag Synchronicty

Astoria Islamic Center Women's Entrance

Alpha Donuts, Sunny Side Queens

82nd St./Roosevelt Ave7 Train Platform, Jackson Heights Queens

Rush hour Busker on 125th 6 Train Platform

Self Portrayal #2, Manhattan bound 6 Train

Musician DD Booker

2009-11-09T16:11:00.001-08:00

DD Booker is a Texas Born Singer Songwriter and self taught Guitarist and Banjo Player. He sings in both Spanish and English, writes original blues and country tunes, as well as covers classic tunes of artists from Tennessee to Colombia. I am slowly helping him to build an online prescence and these are a few images we shot in Old Town Pasadena where I live. And yes, if you havent figured it out by now, he is my father.Hopefully we will have some of his work recorded soon online.

Swapmeet Theater

2009-08-25T12:55:00.001-07:00

Untitled 002

2009-08-25T11:40:00.001-07:00

Untitled 003

2009-08-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

Ode

2009-07-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

"Ode" is a song that I wrote and recorded in 2001.

It has been remixed by various friends and passer by-s

on myspace. The acoustic tune was eventually mashed up

by regular Serious play film collaborator, Stefeye aka

Saphryn Follicle out of NyC. The result of her electronic

sound waves remixing my voice, matched with a conversation

between two women at a kitchen table in Los Angeles is

my screen version of a conceptual Human kaleidoscope.

To see the entire film visit my vimeo and view ode.

Model Play

2009-07-07T19:06:00.001-07:00

Utitled 001

2009-07-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Untitled Baja California

2009-07-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

preAMP+ BAND(a) ---skyLINE/urielbridge---

2009-04-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sonny Coates

Pakeso Young

Craig "Crackin'" Waters

Alan Herzer "Big Cheese"

preAMP+ BAND(a) ---skyLINE/urielbridge---

Self Portrait immersed in the sound.

h e a r

d r u m

b a s s

w o r d s, v i s i o n, v o c a l s, g u i t a r

g u i t a r

Soothing comfort brought from home.

htpp://www.preamp.us

Caren Braj Day

2009-04-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

Caren Braj, succulent Aries Birthday Girl.

Alexis plotting to smear cake in Vanessa's hair.

Which she did successfully many times.

Lupita and her 7 month young miracle.

Caren (Chuneewang) Braj with partner Vanessa (Benny) Alvarez.

Casa de Booker

2009-03-28T15:43:00.001-07:00

Sunday Mar 22, 2009: My Father's house... In celebration of
my brother Hassan's birthday the day before, we gathered at
Casa Booker near Liemert Park with family and friends.

Grandfather and Grandaughter in the back yard.

Aaliyah Booker

David Booker and son Jabari

Sabrina Booker

Hassan Booker and aussie born wife Elizabeta at the
dinner table with Greg visiting from Australia. Food matters:
Ribs from Woody's BBQ at the end of the block on Slauson.
A family tradition when no one feels like cooking.

Birthday Boy. Hassan Booker

Dad.

David Booker: Writer, Musician, Singer, Traveler.

Sisters.

Slauson Ave. just north of Crenshaw Blvd.

Hermano Hermano

2009-03-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

Man of the house: Sonny Coates

Thunder Cat

Thunder Cat's Personal Accessories.

Tuning in.

Today was the first full day of Spring.

Accordion 'Shiek'

2009-03-19T17:16:00.001-07:00

The Red Line Metro Train 7th Street Metro station.

Art G. Salas plays accordian for Herb. Only
"Natural Herb" or "Primo" : In his own words.

Sun Kissed

2009-03-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

Self Portraits in the Sun.

Masi, Mas y Mas

2009-03-16T15:06:00.001-07:00

After my trip to "Ivo Falls", I cruised over to Frogtown; the new
and exciting home of Caren Braj and Vanessa Alvarez. Good food,
folks and fun gauraunteed on a Sunday night. When I arrived, Masi Tiferino
was there; getting ready to go out, having some beers and shooting the shit.

Masi Tiferino

After Masi finished putting on her "warrior face" to
go out dancing, she finished a beer and bounced. We
three chums decided upon a game of : Monopoly!

Caren Braj, Mario Lomar.

Pay me, fool!

Mario Lomar.

Mural Unvieling

2009-03-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

“Monumental Waterfall Mural” Opening Reception:
Sunday, March 15th 2009 The Roosevelt Loft’s 727 West 7th Street

The artist Ivo Vergara

Chandelier inside the Roosevelt Loft's Lobby

Serious Player checking out the scene at "Ivo Falls".
Photo taken by David Muchnik

Artist Ivo Vergara unvieled his 122ft. Waterfall Mural to the public

Sunday, March 15th. The mural lies in the inner light well space between
two 14 floor blocks of luxury lofts bringing nature to the urban landscape
in this historic downtown location, The Roosevelt Building.

Dream Catcha

2009-03-15T01:08:00.001-07:00

Of what do you dream?

Tijuana in 24 hours

2009-03-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

Start time: Friday night 9:00pm. End time: Saturday night 7:30 pm. This
trip I won two speedy games of Uno; beginners Luck. Other activities inc-
luded eating, sleeping, reading, breakfast at La Casa de Mole, paying the utility
bills and a laptop screening of Jamie Foxx's "Unleashed and Leaked".

Surprise Visit

2009-03-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

Although under the circumstances of a funeral, my sister Jameelah
flew into LA from NY just in time to also get some quality fun in with our
nieces Sabrina and Aaliyah (pink dress above) on her 3rd birthday,
March 9th at "Chucky Cheese-es." Notice the pink 'Chuck's'.

Whats' really good?
Sisters Jameelah & Mataji Booker. 10 sec. camera timer love.

We also managed to get some rare quality time in the day she flew
out at a yummy joint that our father turned us on to at Slauson and
Overhill. Puerto Nuevo Restaurant - 4445 W Slauson Ave.

Hm Hm. Highly recommend the salmon croquettes.

Portraits In Frog Town

2009-03-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

Neighbors at home in Frogtown:

Couple's Mario Lomar and Melanie... Vanessa Alvarez and Caren Braj.

Aztec Dance in Honor of Cuauhtemoc

2009-03-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

Sat. Feb 28, 2009 Lincoln Heights: Hundreds of dedicated dancers and devotees to preserving the timeless culture and dance of the Aztecs came together to celebrate and honor Cuauhtemoc. Cuauhtemoc was the Aztec ruler (tlatoani) of Tenochtitlan from 1520 to 1521. The name Cuāuhtemōc means "One That Has Descended Like an Eagle" in Nahuatl — commonly rendered in English as "Falling Eagle" — and wrong was pronounced [kʷaːwˈtemoːk].^[1] The day swelled with color, love and passionate pride from the late morning to early evening and was filled with the sounds of hypnotic drums and the type of unity which arises from the collective bonds of a people tied and connected to thier history. Continuing on with the marvelous task of keeping its stories and customs alive through traditional dance, costume and some pretty kick ass exotic percussive instruments that I had never seen before. To view scenes from thedancing, visit the video I created "Aztec Boogie" here on Vimeo.

Live at the Old Town Pub

2009-02-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

Rene Rodriguez Guitar

Rev Kenny G Bass

Jeff Ison Drums

Guest Saxophonist

Set List

Andrew of Bad Stuff

Mercy singing with Bad Stuff

Kavita Sharma

Masquerade

2008-12-30T14:42:00.000-08:00

Racquel Honore's 40th Birthday

From the Polaroid Archives

2008-12-30T08:21:00.001-08:00

6 Train New York 1999

Painted Door Downtown LA 2006

Free Elian! Vedado, Havana Cuba 1999

7 Train Queens New York 1999

Cotton Candy Tree Puerto Nuevo Baja CA, 2000

Click HERE to view more Polaroids

A Year in Phone Fotos

2008-12-29T22:53:00.001-08:00

Click on grids to enlarge images:

From the Cell Phone Photo Archive,
(c) Mataji Booker Los Angeles, CA 2008

Portraits: 2008

2008-12-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

Vanessa Alvarez, Puerto Nuevo: Baja California Norte.

Silhoutte of Tiffany in her new bedroom: Buena Park.

Remmy Morris at home at the Pierce Hotel in Pasadena.

Le Tania Kirkland serving up a home made desert in Echo Park.

My step-brother Andres at my fathers house a couple
of months shy of his move from Cali, Colombia.

Josephine Falla, my sister in law's best friend.

Anthony at home in his new bedroom in Buena Park.
in Buena Park on Thanksgiving Day.

Vanessa Alvarez & Caren Braj in Playas, Tijuana.

Manwell Hernandez (museum/of/traffic ) just before
he ended his 6 months stay in room #14 at the Pierce Hotel.

Dee Dee Burnett & Grace taking a lunch break: Highland Park.

Jameelah Booker & our niece Aaliyah on Christmas Day.

Original Hip Hop Chocolatier, Marcus Gray at "Synchronicity",
an event that Racquel Honore and I put together spur of the moment.

Dee Dee fooling around at daughter Grace's first birthday party.

Film Stills from Tijuana

2008-12-27T12:27:00.000-08:00

Leaving Los Angeles. Friday, December 12th, 2008

Arriving in downtown Tijuana

In the Old Cathedral, El Centro (Downtown) Tijuana

Watching a young boy hustle it up at the game table.

Heading back home at La Linea (The Border)

Filmed in Tijuana: December 2008, "The Awakenings of Eva" is a series of 6 short films about woman's journey home to a country and culture she left behind as a child. Starring Vanessa Alvarez, shot and Directed by Mataji Booker. To watch the complete series, you can visit here.

Dream Visit : 4451 Don Tomaso Dr.

2008-12-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

1. The apartment I grew up in on Don Tomaso Dr., my younger sister Jameelah’s voicemail & Dad asking me to hem, sew, fix his electric blanket.

I was in his bathroom. He was getting ready for work and he was asking me if I could sew his blanket up in a few places and I was sitting on the toilet and I said sure. I wanted to be a good daughter and friend and help him out.

When I left the bathroom I could hear or sense that he was in the shower in the other bathroom down the hall and there were tons of clothes on the bed. And while I was looking for this blanket to sew up around it’s edges, I found this other strange item of clothing which confused me because it was similar to what I was looking for but it somehow seemed to be part blanket and part clothing. Overhead I could hear my sister leaving me a voice mail. From wherever she was (it turned out she was still in Jamaica) I don’t remember the details, but at the end she left a number and told me to call her. It was a 310 number. She really sounded like she needed me.

Then I went into our old kitchen. I was part looking for a way to replay the message so I could hear it again as well as take down that number. Eventually dad came in from the front door. For a second I was confused because I thought he was getting ready to go to work, but then when I saw how handsome he looked I forgot about that.

2. Taking photos of dad at the Don Tomaso apt. outside.

He was wearing this magnificent gold and orange bolero type jacket and costume like pants to match. Part gypsy belly dance materials like that of the kind my mother used to wear to belly dance (but a slick, male version) and part bullfighter. I have never seen a jacket like it in this life.

He looked strikingly handsome and I told him I must take a picture out on the landing/veranda. I excitedly waited for him out side. When he came outside and as I was lining up the frame, I realized after having taking a few shots of him already, that he’d changed clothes. This upset me quite a bit but I let it roll off my back at first. He’d put on a regular suit and tie. I complained some, but he seemed to be so content that I allowed him to take some more shots remaining in that outfit before I was to send him back to change back into the outfit which sparked the initial desire to take photos. I also noticed that in the background, there was an older woman, and this whole scene where someone was getting married. There were chairs, old women, the neighbors were like, Armenian or something. Anyways, there were some amps and lights set up ready for music, some rows of chairs, all on this little narrow veranda at the other end.

At one point I realized I had to shoot in a way that would not get all of that into the shot, but no one, including myself seemed to be that bothered. I directed him to go inside and change. I was getting a little anxious because I really wanted the original shot idea and I knew he had to go to work, so I wanted to just shoot it quickly. In my mind it was meant to be a fascinating portrait.

By the time he came out again, this wedding type activity that was about to go down, was getting more busy, so I had him stand on the other side of the landing, and a woman was nice enough to move out of our way so he could stand there and not have a bunch of people in the background. I was relieved, but then once I got him into frame I noticed that he had turned into ANOTHER out fit but not the one that I asked him to, the one that I’d fallen in love with. This was some regular old button up shirt. I went ahead and shot him in it a few frames and then frustrated, begged him to please go in and quickly put on the outfit that I wanted. Its like he part wasn’t getting it and part wanted to just do his own thing. Finally he came out and I had him stand in front of the old wooden green gate downstairs. I thought it would be a good simple background.

Two things happened. One, it didn’t look like him (though this wasn’t significant until after I woke up) and two, he wasn’t wearing the damn outfit and I got really pissed and as before, chewed him out increasingly.

So I took the photos anyway, but as I started shooting, the images I was shooting started moving like small film images up against the wooden green gate. And what I was seeing/shooting, were images from like another time. From the times of Jesus or cave men or something. It was strange and hard to describe, but when we were through, he was basically wearing a loin cloth, looked like some young cave man (and this was normal in the dream) and he had blood on his back which had dripped from someone else but it wasn’t clear) and as we walked back up to the apt I started to try and describe to him what had just happened. In his mind, he was just taking photos up against the gate. But what I saw happening in my lens was surreal. I think Mary Magdalene was there, or some other beautiful woman was in and out of the scene, which of course could have resembled my mother his late wife. But the scene was so surreal and the picture so grainy and in and out of a real visible image that it was a big fat mystery. The colors were brilliant tones of earth and golden shadows creating large silhouettes that reminded me of cave man graffiti lit by large torch light.

I never got him into the outfit I wanted to shoot him in, and then I woke up.

'No One Without You' Music Video

2008-12-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

Flamenco guitarist Remmy Morris and I joined forces in 2007 and recorded "No One Without You"; a song about two lovers seperated by war. Directed by myself and shot by both of us in Old Town Pasadena, this is Part 1 of the 7 min song. To hear the complete song in its entirety you can visit Nadie Senti's myspace: click here.

Remmy Morris Guitar

Mataji Booker Voice, Accordian

From The Blue Cell Phone Video

2008-12-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

"Everyone's searching for love...."

"From the Blue" is a never released track by Sonny Coates / Uriel Bridge. Its actually an old recording he did in his bedroom back when he lived in Brooklyn and I lived in Queens. (circa 2003)."From The Blue" was shot on a cell phone using public transportation in and around Los Angeles, CA through out 2008.