Back To Back: From Backyard to Boulevard, a photographic series by Stig De Block, shines a light on the adrenaline-charged lowrider culture of Los Angeles—a scene that took root among Mexican-American communities in the late 1950s and has thrived ever since. It began with young Chicanos modifying older cars to ride “low and slow,” then evolved with the introduction of hydraulic pump systems—originally developed for aircraft—which allowed drivers to control suspension with the flick of a switch. Subtle drops soon evolved into “hopping,” where cars bounce and leap in midair, turning the boulevard into a precision-engineered performance space.

The movement found traction across the country—especially on the West Coast—and also resonated in Black communities, intertwining with funk, R&B, and early hip-hop culture through artists who embraced the lifestyle. But nowhere is this energy more alive than on Whittier Boulevard in East LA, where weekend cruises become a powerful expression of identity on Sunday Funday.

For many, these events are more than just car shows. Cruising the boulevard is a bold rejection of cultural assimilation—instead, drivers claim their space. On Sundays, streets come alive with intricate, hand-painted pinstriping, candy fades, geometric patterns, and polished chrome.

The cars themselves are rolling canvases, adorned with airbrushed portraits of Tupac, Nate Dogg, and other icons, all rendered in stunning hyperrealism on backdrops of vivid greens, blues, and oranges. Inside, each car is a world of its own—interiors shaped by pure imagination that often rival an acid-infused, sugar-coated technicolor dream.

Car clubs are central to the scene—and joining a club means more than just rolling with a crew. It involves regular meetings, planning custom builds, and often proudly displaying a 3D club logo in your rear window as a badge of honor. And it goes beyond aesthetics. Far from the stereotypes, lowrider culture is deeply community-driven, creating spaces where people can support their neighbors and come together over a mutual passion. Many clubs engage in social causes, like raising awareness for breast cancer.

Each Sunday, these head-turning machines flood the streets of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Long Beach, and Watts—legendary neighborhoods full of creativity and connection. Some come to ride, some to hop, pushing their cars to the edge until the chrome cracks or the wheels fall off. All of it speaks to a culture built on joy, resilience, and a love for the craft. The following images were captured between 2018 and 2022. They offer a glimpse into a world that exists just beyond the margins of mainstream attention—one that continues to thrive, evolve, and inspire.

See more of Stig De Block's work at StigDeBlock.com or visit his Instagram @stigdeblock.