Skip to Content
Art

Serpentine ~ Mark Laita

12:27 PM PST on November 23, 2011

L.A. based photographer Mark Laita has created a stunning gallery of 122 images of rare and beautiful snakes called Serpentine. During the course of the project, he was reportedly bit by one of the world's most deadly snake, the Black Mamba (see last picture). Laita has done a lot of incredible work, including Sea, and Created Equal. Of the Serpentine project he says:

The sensual attractiveness of snakes, which coexists with their threatening, unpredictable and mysterious nature is truly unique. This dichotomy, in which their beauty seems to be heightened by their danger, and vice-versa, is what I find so fascinating. Add to these contradictions the rich symbolism of serpents and you have a wonderfully compelling subject.

More Stories

Asada Inflation: A Rare Look at How L.A. Taqueros Are Handling Soaring Beef Prices

We take a deep dive into carne asada inflation with the owners of Sonoratown, Tacos Royale, and Luis' Butcher Shop.

November 4, 2026

An Anarchist Feminist’s Personal Eulogy for Dolores Huerta

If a government sends choppers to silence a five-foot-tall woman, whatever she has to say must be dangerously important.

November 3, 2026

Escondido Resident Is 58th to Die in ICE Custody Under Trump Administration

Following Guillermo Pascual Verganza’s death at Otay Mesa Detention Center, his loved ones' nightmare only continued when an ICE press release confusingly misidentified him.

Investigations Newsletter: When Social Media Breaks the News of Your Friend’s Murder

Victories in this line of work are rare, and it often takes months, if not years, for a story to have an impact. This leaves a lot of time to wonder: What is the point?

November 2, 2026

Final Notice: Democrats Must Abolish ICE If They Win On Election Day

ICE was created in 2003. It is not some sacred U.S. institution tied to the Founding Fathers. Congress created it. Congress funds it. And Congress can dismantle it.

November 2, 2026

SGV Organizers Step Up to Stop Data Centers By Running Against the Politicians Who Failed Them

A 20-year-old Occidental College student and a florist from Rowland Heights are part of a new crop of political challengers arising in the San Gabriel Valley and they are prepared to give data centers hell.

November 2, 2026