Eric Garcetti may be the hippest mayor in America. The Los Angeles leader, who hopes to bring politics into the 21st century, is having his collection of Instagram photos exhibited at a city art gallery.
The 44-year-old has sought to “engage residents of all ages” through the photo-sharing platform and since publishing his first picture in January 2013, Mr Garcetti has amassed more than 80,000 followers by posting over 800 personal photos. And there are few “selfies” on his account. Instead, followers are treated to skyscapes, vistas of Los Angeles and the occasional (and decidedly un-hip) photograph of his meals.
Now the Take my Picture art gallery in central Los Angeles has commissioned an exhibition of his work, with 100 photographs on display in the #MAYOR_OF_INSTAGRAM collection.
Eric Garcetti, pictured with Vice-President Joe Biden, has been praised for his use of social media including Facebook and Snapchat (AP)
So far, so hip, for Mr Garcetti, whose credentials as a progressive mayor have led to the creation of the parody @Eric_Garcetti Twitter account. “Social media and the internet have allowed a two-way street that’s unique to our time,” said David Leonard, who organised the exhibition and whose father owns the gallery. “We can all have a dialogue with our leaders now. ”
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The show, which will raise money for non-profit projects such as Homeless Health Care Los Angeles, will also feature a video in which the Mayor discusses his use of social media to reach out to his electorate.
“My hope is that in this age of technology, we can find ways to use social media and technology to improve the quality of life of those who we are elected to serve,” he said.
