Ari Levinson: Student, Photographer and Innovator

May 17, 2007

USC Student Ari Levinson is making a name for himself as one of Los Angeles's premiere young photographers and innovators.Through his work, he is hoping to create social change necessary to save the African wildlife environment raising money through the sales of his safari photographs to preserve, educate and inspire.

Tell us about your work

I'm working to create an gallery of photographs from East Africa which captures the majesty and the magic of the continent. The goal is to instill in Westerners a sense of sense of awe for the African natural environment. The intention is to translate that awe into a sense of respect, and then of responsibility for the preservation of this environment. The exhibition's prints are sold to raise money for the African Conservation Foundation.

What drives you to continue pursuing this area of study?

After visiting Africa and traveling through Kenya and Tanzania for three weeks with the Maasai, I felt the awe that I hope to communicate to those who see the Red Earth Gallery, and have been driven since then by the desire to give something back to this incredible place.

How do you hope your work affect societal change?

My hope is that efforts like mine will help to preserve the national parks and the natural environment of Africa. Non- profits like the African Conservation foundation are essential to maintaining the national parks which are chronically under-funded in many African countries.

How did you come up with the idea?

There was a single moment. I was looking through the lens at a Kenyan hillside as a herd of Zebra crossed over the crest of the hill and made their way out into the grassland. Looking out at this incredible landscape and watching the light stream down from the clouds, I knew that I couldn't stand by and let this environment disappear.

Has anyone ever doubted that your idea could work?

Initially friends and family tried to dissuade me from going. I was warned endlessly about diseases, crime, about dangerous animals. However, the exhibition itself has met with enormous enthusiasm, and I have been helped at every step of the way by those who made exhibition space available, those who put up the money for the printing and the framing, and of course I am eternally thankful to those who have helped to preserve the African natural environment by making this photographs a part of their lives.

What is the next step in the innovation process for you (and how might people help)?

In addition to USC Stevens, I have been approached by three organizations who are interested in displaying the exhibition. Two are organizations on the USC campus, and the third is a wonderful art gallery in LA. Through making the photographs available to more people, raising awareness and raising money for the ACF is the logical next step. Looking ahead, I am developing plans with the director of the ACF to return to Africa and expand the photographic content of the exhibit, as well as partnering with a native Maasai poet for a joint African exhibition.

What is the one innovation you can't live without?

Bean bags. So many of the shots which are part of this exhibition were made possible by this wondrous invention.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

My other passion is for teaching and working with children. When I'm not taking photographs, you might find me volunteering at the HOLA tutoring center or making educational films for schools.

What do you wish you would have invented?

Bean bags. If I had, I'd probably have taken over the world by now.

Any tips for aspiring innovators?

Do what you love. Innovation is only a matter of time if your work is fueled by your passion.

Email or phone?

Either works for me. In person when possible.

Galileo, Darwin, Einstein, Socrates or Newton? Other? Why?

Darwin. One hundred fifty years later, his theory is still being hotly contested. I have a lot of respect for a man that far ahead of his time.

What is the most fun you've ever had?

Building sand castles or flying kites.

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About Ari Levinson

His work has been displayed in galleries across the country including the Alitash Kebede Gallery in Los Angeles, the Lori Teibel Art and Design Gallery in Indiana, and the Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, as well as internationally through the Art for Peace initiative in Bangkok. His photography is featured on albums by Albany Records, and his Red Earth Exhibition has attracted attention both at home and abroad.

Ari's first experiences with photography were a collaborative effort with his father, an avid amateur photographer who had built a darkroom in the family's basement. Since then, Ari has followed his desire to tell stories through images to USC, where he is currently an undergraduate studying film. He plans to continue pursuing his passion for film and photography, a passion prefigured by his first word: "light."