VOLUME 7 NO. 05
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SEPTEMBER 2019
INSIDE THIS ISSUE HIGHLAND PARK INDEPENDENT FESTIVAL • CAROLINA CAYCEDO AND UMAR RASHID AT VINCENT PRICE • LINDA VALLEJO AT PLAZA DE CULTURA Y ARTES • BREAKING BREAD AT OXY ARTS • PLAY MUSIC ON THE PORCH DAY • BRYANFEST • NISEI WEEK AND THE TANABATA FESTIVAL IN LITTLE TOKYO • BLACK, BROWN, AND BEIGE AT SELF HELP GRAPHICS AND ART • POETRY AND MORE
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SEPTEMBER 2019
CAROLINA CAYCEDO’S “APARICIONES/ APPARITIONS”
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Deity of Water, Pleasure, Fertility, and Sexuality Visits Our Realm A unique collaboration between two seemingly very different arts institutions has led to a beautiful and thought provoking film. Carolina Caycedo’s “Apariciones/Apparitions” screens at the Vincent Price Art Museum. It was shot at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. In the film, African American, Latinx, and Queer dancers embody past entities returning to the earthly realm. They use gestures developed by Ms. Caycedo and choreographer Marina Magalhães, inspired by the Candomblé religion and the goddess Oxúm, the deity of water, pleasure, fertility, and sexuality. The dancers, dressed in Oxúm’s color, deep gold, seem to be performing various types of manual labor, but soon their bodies begin shaking, signifying that a deity is mounting a mortal. The Huntington Library and Gardens seem to be at once themselves after visiting hours, a Brazilian plantation, and a West African Forest. Ms. Caycedo cites the Aymara aphorism “Qhip nayr uñtasis sarnaqapxañani,” which roughly translates to “looking back to walk forth.” What have been regarded as white institutions and spaces have never been white, as they are founded on the labors of black and brown peoples. In that light, it is only natural that Oxúm should inhabit the Huntington. The film refocuses our attention as to realities of natural and public spaces of the present and the future, perhaps leading to a reality of widely shared responsibility and enjoyment. Born in London to Colombian parents, Carolina Caycedo has lived and worked in Los Angeles since 2012. Her artist book, “Serpent River Book,” was part of the A Universal History of Infamy exhibition at LACMA, and she recently participated in the Hammer Museum’s Made in LA 2018 exhibition. Carolina Caycedo’s “Apariciones/Apparitions” through December 21 Vincent Price Art Museum on the campus of East Los Angeles College www.vincentpriceartmuseum.org
Carolina Caycedo, still from “Apariciones /Apparitions.” Choreographed by Marina Magalhães and shot by David de Rozas. Courtesy of the artist, via Vincent Price Art Museum.
CITY HONORS “MADE IN HOLLYWOOD” TV PRODUCTIONS On September 10, the Los Angeles City Council recognized a dozen Emmy-nominated television productions that film in the Los Angeles area. Among the honored programs were “VEEP,” “Barry,” “The Good Place,” “Sharp Objects,” “Deadwood The Movie,” “My Dinner with Hervé,” “American Ninja Warrior,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “The Voice,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “The Late, Late Show with James Corden,” and “This is Us.” “Not so long ago,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell who represents Hollywood, “we had a dearth of films and television shows filmed in Los Angeles and Hollywood. But thanks to some state legislation in the last handful of years, it’s come roaring back.” “These are jobs in the tens of thousands that have come back to the City of Los Angeles and to the region,” said Councilmember O’Farrell. The Councilmember also pointed out that California offers the best talent, production infrastructure, locations, and weather. In addition to the quality, middle class jobs provided, production strengthens the State’s economy, allows industry professionals to stay home with their families in all neighborhoods across Los Angeles, and preserves a signature industry. “Every time that decision is made to film elsewhere,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, “it costs this city hundreds if not thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in tax revenue that can be spent in our parks, in our police department, in our fire department, paving streets.” “So we are so grateful,” said Councilmember Krekorian, “as a city to all of you, to our creative community, for making that decision to stay here in Los Angeles; it’s great for you but it’s really, really vital to our city that you continue to be faithful to this city and to produce your shows here.” Sponsors of the awards include SAG-AFTRA, the California Film Commission, FilmLA, Teamsters Local 399, Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund, The Producers Guild of America, 1600 Vine, and Dick Guttman and Associates.
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Flex Your Creative Boldness in Glass Creative Concepts in Kilnforming with Morgan Van Madison NOVEMBER 16–19 Bullseye Glass Resource Center 143 Pasadena Avenue, Suite B South Pasadena 323.679.4263 bullseyeglass.com/losangeles
Patricia Richardson, SAG-AFTRA L.A. Chapter President, is joined by City Councilmembers Mitch O’Farrell and Paul Krekorian in honoring Emmy-nominated productions that were “Made in Hollywood” (photo: SAG-AFTRA MOVE Los Angeles)
LA ART NEWS
UMAR RASHID (FROHAWK TWO FEATHERS): THE WORLD YOU KNOW IS A
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FICTION. YOU KNOW WE HAD TO DO A REMIX, RIGHT? VIGNETTES OF THE FRENGLISH EMPIRE IN NORTH AMERICA (1780-1795) Umar Rashid tweaks history. But the results are not fantasy; rather, his paintings reveal truths about past colonization and present states of affairs. His series of works currently at the Vincent Price Art Museum spans several years and tells of the “Frenglish Empire,” a conglomerate of the French and British colonial entities and the Native and African diasporic cultures of the western hemisphere. The pieces speak to clashes and blendings of cultures, but through a lens that pokes a bit of fun. And while the works are researched and notable for historic knowledge, the title of the show, “Umar Rashid (Frohawk Two Feathers): The World You Know is a Fiction. You Know We Had to do a Remix, Right? Vignettes of the Frenglish Empire in North America (1780-1795),” let’s the viewer in on the fact that history, as told by wars’ victors, is fictionalized. The stories presented here are as real or more so than what may be found in a text book. The paintings are rich in detail, including portraits, mappings, moments, and stories. Commodities of colonial empires, such as coffee and tea, become artist’s mediums. Umar Rashid (also known as Frohawk Two Feathers), is a Chicago-born, Los Angelesbased artist, storyteller, history buff, musician, and poet. Umar Rashid (Frohawk Two Feathers): The World You Know is a Fiction. You Know We Had to do a Remix, Right? Vignettes of the Frenglish Empire in North America (1780-1795) Through December 21 Vincent Price Art Museum on the campus of East Los Angeles College www.vincentpriceartmuseum.org
Umar Rashid, Down for Whatever, 2012 Umar Rashid, Flamboyancy is Currency, 2012
Umar Rashid, Down for Whatever, 2012 Umar Rashid, Flamboyancy is Currency, 2012
SEPTEMBER 2019
Umar Rashid (Frohawk Two Feathers): The World You Know is a Fiction. You Know We Had to do a Remix, Right? Vignettes of the Frenglish Empire in North America (1780-1795)
Umar Rashid, On the ability to change your fate and dramatically improve your condition (Supreme), 2014 Umar Rashid, On loyalty and honor and the lightening of past mistakes (Irene), 2014
STAFF Publisher/ Creative Director Cathi Milligan Managing Editor Margaret Arnold Contributors: Margaret Arnold, Brian Mallman, Amy Inouye, Stuart Rapeport, Cathi Milligan, Jennifer Hitchcock, Harvey Slater, Madame X, Tomas Benitez, Ted Meyer, Peter Hess, Linda Kaye LA Art News is published monthly at the beginning of each month. LA Art News is available free of charge. No person may, without prior written permission from LA Art News, take more than one copy of each monthly issue. Additional copies of the current issue are available for $1, payable in advance, at LA Art News office. Only authorized LA Art News distributors may distribute the LA Art News. Copyright No news stories, illustrations, editorial matter or advertisements herein can be reproduced without written consent of copyright owner. How to reach us LA Art News 851 N. Ave 50 Los Angeles, CA 90042 323-387-9705
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ART SEASON BEGINS What to do, what to do? I was looking at the calendar to figure out which art shows to see and they were all on the same day. Welcome to LA’s art scene. It’s vibrant, alive, and all scheduled on the same day...or so it seems. At least there is a selection of shows to see and things to do. And it happens almost every weekend through the end of the year. That’s not a bad thing. The more art the better. Have you been watching the debates? Any thoughts? I can’t wait until it’s down to about 4 options. And I can’t wait for election day, next year! It happens to fall on my birthday. It could be the best one ever... Back to art. What do you create? What makes your heart flutter? You know what I mean. When you see it you either want to possess it or create it yourself. That’s some good shit man...I’ve been very inspired lately, since my move. My brain is lighter and more able to be creative. It’s refreshing...hey, go make something! You may find it refreshing too.
Thanks, Cathi Milligan Publisher LA Art News
Contributions cathi@laartnews.com Calendar information margaretnelaart@gmail.com Sales - cathi@laartnews.com sign up for our newsletter at laartnews.com Where’s Monica?
LA ART NEWS
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SEPTEMBER 2019
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LA ART NEWS
GOVERNMENT NOTES
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NATIONAL ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK The week of September 8-14 was celebrated across the nation as Nation arts in Education Week. The designation of the week beginning with the second Sunday in September as National Arts in Education Week was made by Congress in 2010.
executive director of New Orleans-based Pelican Bomb, a non-profit contemporary art organization that presented a forum for exhibitions, public programs, and arts journalism. CAAM explores the art, history, and culture of African Americans, with an emphasis on California and the West. Chartered by the State of California in 1977, the Museum began formal operations in 1981 and is a state-supported agency and a Smithsonian Affiliate.
EVALUATION OF ARTS EDUCATION CUT The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB), government’s national yardstick of student achievement since 1969, has abruptly dropped the arts from the National Assessment of Educational Progress used as part of its 10-year cycle for administering the “Nation’s Report Card.” Other areas dropped include economics, geography, and foreign language. There was no opportunity for public input on the cuts, and the agency says it is addressing expected funding shortfalls. EARTH, WIND & FIRE HONORED AT CITY HALL On September 10, the Los Angeles City Council honored what Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson termed, “one of the greatest bands ever assembled in the history of the United States,” Earth, Wind & Fire. The council declared that every September 21, as called out in the song “September,” will be known as “Earth, Wind & Fire Day” in the City of Los Angeles. Earth, Wind & Fire was founded by the late Maurice White, and since its early days 49 years ago, it has been based in the City of Los Angeles. “At a time when the country was going through lots and lots of strife,” said Councilmember Harris-Dawson, “this band brought culture, brought togetherness, brought internationalism, brought Afrocentricity to the eyes of everyday people across the country and across the world, mixing Brazilian music and Latin American music and African American music and American music into an amalgamation we now know as the Earth, Wind & Fire sound.” Three of the original Earth, Wind & Fire members were on hand for the proclamation-Ralph Johnson, Philip Bailey, and Verdine White. “I am a product of LAUSD,” said Mr. Johnson, who grew up at 28th and Hobart. “I’m very proud of the fact that I’m from Los Angeles, California.”
Verdine White, Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Philip Bailey, and Ralph Johnson at the proclamation of Earth Wind and Fire Day in Los Angeles (photo: Councilmember Harris-Dawson’s office)
KOREAN COMFORT WOMEN PEACE MONUMENT VANDALIZED On September 16, the Korean Comfort Women Peace Monument, located in Glendale’s Central Park, was vandalized for the second time in just a few months. The monument was scribbled on with black marker, and several potted plants were knocked over. The monument was installed in 2013 in conjunction with the Korea-Glendale Sister City Association. It honors more than 200,000 women who were forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Armed Forces of Japan between 1932 and 1945. “The City council supported the installation of the Comfort Women Peace Monument as a lasting tribute to the suffering of women and girls of many nationalities during World War II and to promote peace between all,” said Mayor Ara Najarian. “The City of Glendale takes this incident very seriously and will take all measures to apprehend the perpetrators and hold them accountable in a court of law.” The Glendale Police Department is investigating the incident, including reviewing surveillance footage. CHIEF CURATOR AT CAAM The California African American Museum (CAAM) has announced that curator, writer, and editor Cameron Shaw will join the Museum’s staff as deputy director and chief curator, effective September 12. A native of Los Angeles, Ms. Shaw was most recently the
SEPTEMBER 2019
The Korean Comfort Women Peace Monument, located in Glendale’s Central Park
NISEI WEEK GRAND PARADE
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Little Tokyo August 11, 2019
LA ART NEWS
BLACK, BROWN, AND BEIGE
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at Self Help Graphics and Art
In 1943, legendary musician Duke Ellington performed the symphony “Black, Brown, and Beige” for the first time. The lengthy work deals with experiences of Black America, through slavery, wars, and contemporary life. The curators of “Black, Brown, and Beige,” currently on view at Self Help Graphics and Art, move the experience of the symphony forward to 21st century Los Angeles. “The symphony’s title,” the shows description reads, “referred to the mistaken assertion that AfricanAmericans can be categorized by a single color. However, the title contends that the experience was broad in spectrum.” The Self Help Graphics and Art show challenges colorist and racist generalizations through art works depicting various manifestations of African and Latinx diasporas. The works by two dozen artists included in the show both stand on their own and address one another, in the end creating a portrait of Los Angeles. Black, Brown, and Beige Through September 27 Self Help Graphics and Art 1300 East First Street Curated by Nery Gabriel Lemus and Jimmy O’Balles of Suvir Arts Collective. Featured artists: Mario Ybarra Jr., Ken Gonzales-Day, Oscar Magallanes, Roberto “Tito” Delgado, John Valadez, Eric Almanza, Areli Arellano, Margaret Garcia, Poli Marichal, Lili Bernard, Dalila Paola Mendez, Adrienne Wade, Todd Gray, Umar Rashid, Sam Pace, Mark Steven Greenfield, Edgar Arceneaux, Wendell Wiggins, April Bey, Adrienne DeVine, Toni Scott, Holly Tempo, Richard Duardo and Loren Holland. www.selfhelpgraphics.com
April Bey, Act New, But Don’t Act BrandSpanking New, 2019
Lili Bernard, Latasha Harlins en el Cielo con Las 7 Potencias, 2017 Adrienne DeVine, A Throne for Three Colors / Un Trano Para Tres Colores, 2019
Umar Rashid (Frohawk Two Feathers), The Belligerents, Illustrations of soldiers who took part in the Gold War. Or, for heroics, sinners, and saints, etc., 2018 (Detail: Cholo (Goon), Usually AfroMexican or Mestizo front line unit of the company Cazador. Known for bravery and flair. Generally the first to die.) Wendell Wiggins, Muse, Color and the Divine (tryptic), 2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
HIGHLAND PARK INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL FEATURES, SHORTS, DOCS + DANNY TREJO
In just six years, the Highland Park Independent Film Festival has emerged as a sought-after showcase for independent filmmakers. Feature films, shorts and documentaries from around the world are selected for screenings across three days in early October. Although the festival producers cast a wide net in their selection process, they are also true to their roots in Highland Park, Los Angeles’ original arts community. Short film programs include “LA Stories” and “City of Angels,” during which many audience members will recognize sights from their home neighborhoods. Further, festival producers are very much part of their community, facilitating a film mentorship program at the local high school and presenting free film nights in a local park. At the feature screenings, all attendees will be given the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the Highland Theatre, a 1925 architectural gem designed by L.A. Smith and located on historic Route 66. On opening night of the festival, this years Humanitarian Award will be presented to noted actor and activist Danny Trejo. On closing night, awards will be presented for Best Feature, Best Short, Best Feat Doc, Best Short Doc, & Audience Choice - Best Short, as well as two awards unique to this festival, Best Cinematography and Best Musical Composition. Highland Park Independent Film Festival October 3, 4 and 5 Highland Theatre 5604 North Figueroa Street Ticket information may be found at www.hpifilmfest.com
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Highland Park Independent Film Festival DANNY TREJO TO RECEIVE HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Noted actor Danny Trejo will be honored with the annual Humanitarian Award at the 2019 Highland Park Independent Film Festival, October 3 at the Highland Theatre. Mr. Trejo may be known for the hard-edged characters he plays on film and television, but off-screen he has helped young people battle drug addiction. A native of Echo Park, after he spent over a decade in and out of prison, he turned his life around though boxing and 12-step programs. As an actor, Mr. Trejo has starred in dozens of films including “Desperado,” “Heat,” the “From Dusk Till Dawn” franchise, “Con Air,” “Once Upon A Time In Mexico,” the “Spy Kids” movies, “Grindhouse,” “Machete,” “Machete Kills,” “Dead In Tombstone,” and “Muppets Most Wanted.” His recent television work includes recurring roles on “Sons of Anarchy” and “King of the Hill.” Most recently, Trejo reunited with “Machete” director Robert Rodriguez for season two of El Rey’s TV series “From Dusk Till Dawn.” On October 3 at 6:30 p.m., Mr. Trejo will arrive at the Highland Theatre—a historic movie theatre built in 1925 on what soon became Route 66—in his personal lowrider. From 7-8 p.m., the actor and all festival attendees will walk the red carpet at the theatre. Mr. Trejo will then be presented with the award. At 8 p.m., a special screening of “Machete” will be presented. After being set-up and betrayed by the man who hired him to assassinate a Texas Senator, an exFederale (Danny Trejo) launches a brutal rampage of revenge against his former boss. The 2010 film, directed by Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis, also stars Michelle Rodriguez, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Steven Seagal, and Cheech Marin. Highland Park Independent Film Festival October 3 Highland Theatre 5604 North Figueroa Street Ticket information may be found at www.hpifilmfest.com
photo: Tim Karau
Schedule: October 3 A Night With Danny Trejo 7-8 Red Carpet and Humanitarian Award 8-10 “Machete” directed by Robert Rodriguez and starring Danny Trejo October 4 Noon-2 “Films From Afar” Shorts Program 2:30-4:30 “Boxer Story” (animation) / KCET “How Sweet The Sound: Gospel in LA“ 5-7 “Rich Kids,” a young man comes to terms with himself and a life set against income inequality directed by Laura Somers 5-7 “Nathan’s Kingdom,” a Sci-Fi, coming-of-age drama directed by Olicer Muñoz 7-8 Red Carpet 8-10 “Cicada Song,” the world premiere of a mystery/thriller directed by Michael Starr October 5 Noon-2 “City of Angels” Shorts Program Noon-2 “We Are HLP” Shorts Program 2:30-4:30 “LA Short Stories” Shorts Program 2:30-4:30 “Los Filmmakers” Shorts Program 6:30-7:30 Red Carpet 7:45-9:45 “West End,” Hamlet mobbed up on the Jersey Shore in a feature directed by Joe Basile Followed by the Awards Ceremony
LA ART NEWS
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LINDA VALLEJO: BROWN BELONGINGS At La Plaza de Cultura y Artes
For several decades, Los Angeles artist Linda Vallejo has reflected on matters of race, color, and ethnicity and how they play out within contexts of pop culture, religion, employment, and America in general. A large exhibition of more than 125 of her works, “Linda Vallejo: Brown Belongings,” currently on view at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, brings together selections from several recent series of works: Make ‘Em All Mexican, icons that represent the American cultural identity; The Brown Dot Project and Datos Sagrados, data that speak to the place of Latinxs within the American Dream; Cultural Enigma, the symbols we use to signify our cultures. Imagery includes deities, political figures, royalty, movie stars, cartoon characters, and more, with their light complexions changed to shades of brown. There are also visual representations of statistics about Latinx life, dramatizing the power of art to convey the real lives behind numbers. Collectively, the series challenge assumptions of white as normative. They also provide grist for creatively questioning and expanding on how arts, popular culture, and social sciences depict our world.
Linda Vallejo, El Vis, 2012 Linda Vallejo, El Vaquero, 2013 Linda Vallejo, Marielena La Fabulosa, 2012 Linda Vallejo, Blanca Brown and Her Friends, 2011 From Make ‘Em All Mexican
“…the exhibition...speaks to ‘longing’ as a part of ‘be-longing.’ Put simply, I long to find and share a universal visual language that starts conversations about how we see ourselves, how others see us, and how we can find joy and understanding in both our differences and our similarities.” —Linda Vallejo, Artist’s Statement Linda Vallejo: Brown Belongings through January 13, 2020 LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes 501 North Main Street, Downtown www.lapca.org
Linda Vallejo, 25.7% of All DACA Recipients Live in California, 2019 From The Brown Dot Project
Linda Vallejo, La Elegante, 2014 From Make ‘Em All Mexican
Linda Vallejo, Marielena La Fabulosa, 2012 Linda Vallejo, Blanca Brown and Her Friends, 2011 (detail) From Make ‘Em All Mexican
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Linda Vallejo, Emilio “El Indio” Fernandez, 2019 From Make ‘Em All Mexican
Linda Vallejo, Diana de la Cruz, 2011 From Make ‘Em All Mexican Linda Vallejo, Venue de Milo II, 2012 From Make ‘Em All Mexican Linda Vallejo, 53% of US Latinos Live in 15 Metropolitan Areas, 2017 From Datos Sagrados
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11th ANNUAL LOS ANGELES TANABATA FESTIVAL
Two separated lovers, turned to stars on opposite sides of the Milky Way, reunite once a year when birds create a bridge for them. August 10 & 11 Little Tokyo
LA ART NEWS
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Visit us at NELAart.org Northeast Los Angeles Arts Organization, Inc.
September 14, 2019 | 7PM - 10 PM (Individual gallery hours may vary. CHECK Gallery web sites for individual information. Just because a gallery is listed does not mean it’s open this month) 1
Avenue 50 Studio 131 N. Avenue 50 323.256.1435 avenue50studio.org
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L34 Group 5622 N. Figueroa St. 323.788.1674 L34group.com
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Curve Line Space 3348 N. Figueroa St. 323.505.7278 curvelinespace.com
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Arroyo Arts Collective @ Ave 50 Studio 131 N. Avenue 50 323.256.1435 arroyoartscollective.org
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Vapegoat 5054 York Blvd. 323.963.VAPE
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Align Gallery 5045 York Blvd. www.aligngallery.com
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Leader of the Pack 17 5110 York Blvd. 323.675.1055 theleaderofthepackvintage.com
TAJ • ART 1492 Colorado Blvd. www.tajartinc.com
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Mi Vida 5159 York Blvd.
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Vintage Tattoo Art Parlor 5115 York Blvd.
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Namaste Highland Park 5118 York Blvd. www.namastehighlandpark.com
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Highland Cafe 5010 York Blvd. 323.259.1000 thehighlandcafela.com
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Leanna Lin’s Wonderland 5024 Eagle Rock Blvd. 323.550.1332 leannalinswonderland.com
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Rock Rose Gallery 4108 N. Figueroa St. 323.635.9125 rockrosegallery.com
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Future Studio 5558 N. Figueroa St. 323.254.4565 futurestudiogallery.com
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Mindfulnest 5050 York Blvd. 323.999.7969 mindfulnest.com
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Bookshow 5503 N. Figueroa St. www.bookshow.com
SEPTEMBER 2019
Next Art Walk October 12, 2019
On t
businesses their doors love, get s
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the Second Saturday of Every Month galleries,
s and artists in Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley and Lincoln Heights open s a little later in the evening and welcome visitors. Use this map for locations of art and eateries; grab someone you some dinner, and enjoy some art. Friend NELA Art Gallery Night on Facebook for the updated last minute list.
LA ART NEWS
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NELAART SECOND SATURDAY GALLERY NIGHT AUGUST 2019
The Vibrant Cityscapes of Bonnie Lambert at Avenue 50 Studio
Johnny Quintanilla, Bienvenidos Sheila Rodriguez, Paleta Some Place Like Home at Avenue 50 Studio
S.R. Wallace, She’ll do to Ride the River With at Namaste Highland Park
Rene Villa’s Venial Venality Martin Bustamante’s Caged Birds and Other Stories Arroyo Arts Collective at Avenue 50 Studio
SEPTEMBER 2019
Chona Bernardo, Gintong Gamot at Avenue 50 Studio
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Jeff Boxer, Has This Ill Weather Met With Thee Too? at L.34 Group Jeaneen Carlino, Intentionally Beyond at Mi Vida
Castroburger, Dead in Hollywood on Ice: A Slideshow at Book Show Alison Oksner at Vapegoat
I Love Science Kids’ Art Show, art created by the next generation of artists, benefiting Center for the Arts Eagle Rock at Leanna Lin’s Wonderland
Martin Bustamante’s Caged Birds and Other Stories Arroyo Arts Collective at Avenue 50 Studio
LA ART NEWS
SICILIAN EGGPLANT WRAPS WITH CHERRY TOMATO VINAIGRETTE These Sicilian Eggplant Wraps are a perfect example of how the slightest ingredient hacks can make a big impact on the quality of nutrition you consume per calorie. Eggplants have some surprising health benefits and are rich in essential nutrients like manganese, folate, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber. And they are particularly rich in essential fatty acids. In this recipe we are simply replacing wraps or flatbread made from flour with grilled eggplant slices, making this a simple healthy solution for any busy schedule.
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Add the tablespoon of olive oil to the griddle, or if using a bbq grill, toss the asparagus and zucchini in the oil. Add the vegetables to the grill and cook until brown. Sprinkle the spices on the vegetables while they are grilling, and season with salt and pepper, This should only take 10 minutes and 20 at the most. Re-
FOR THE TOMATO VINAIGRETTE: 2 tbsp. fresh basil, julienned 1 basket cherry tomatoes 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 shallot, grated or minced Sea salt & pepper to taste FOR THE WRAPS: 1 medium-large eggplant, sliced into ¼” rounds (or sliced length-wise for larger wraps) 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 16 thin asparagus spears, woody ends removed 1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into spears 1 tsp. Frontier Turmeric Twist Sweet Blend spice Sea salt & pepper to taste ½ bunch watercress ½ cup Kite Hill almond ricotta cheese First make the tomato vinaigrette. Cut at least half of the cherry tomatoes in half in order to release some of the tomato juices and create a consistency that is easier to use as a topping. In a small mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, olive oil, vinegar, shallot, salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside. NOTE: The vinaigrette can be made up to a few days ahead and the flavor will improve with time. For the wraps, get your bbq grill or a stovetop grill, griddle, or grill pan hot. Maintain at about medium-high heat. Brown the eggplant slices on both sides. Don’t worry about marinating or putting oil on the eggplant. It will be plenty juicy once you add all the other ingredients and you don’t want it to become oversaturated with oil and juices. This process should take 5-7 minutes per side to brown. They are ready when they are soft and pliable. Set aside.
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move and set aside. To assemble the wraps, arrange the eggplant slice “wraps” on a flat surface. First add about a tablespoon of ricotta cheese to each eggplant slice and spread out a little. Then add a few sprigs of watercress, then 1 or 2 spears of zucchini, and a couple asparagus. Then top with a spoonful of tomato vinaigrette. Be sure and get some of the juices from the vinaigrette onto each wrap because those fantastic flavors will soak into the eggplant and make them super delicious. You may have to be patient with the tomatoes as they might want to roll around, depending on how you cut the tomatoes and how small or high stacked your wraps are. Enjoy immediately as a hand-held meal or eat with a knife and fork. Harvey Slater is a chef and holistic nutrition coach, practicing in Pasadena, Ca. You can find more healthy recipes like this one on his blog: thewholedishblog.com
CLASSES IN NELA
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Besides being a haven for artists and creative types, Northeast Los Angeles is the home of a fine array of arts classes, especially the industrial arts, but not limited to them. Below is a list of some of the businesses in the area that have classes. Do check with the facility to verify times and prices of their classes. As we find more places we will bring that information to all of you. Adam’s Forge 2640 N. San Fernando Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90065 Adamsforge.org Please check their web site for a listing of all of their classes and special events.
Molten Metal Works 3617 San Fernando Rd Glendale, CA 91204 moltenmetalworks.net Please check their web site for a listing of all of their classes and special events.
The Glass Studio 11132 Fleetwood St. Unit A Sun Valley, CA 91352 323.387.9705 info@theglassstudio.net Check www.theglassstudio.com .
Rock Rose Gallery 4108 N. Figueroa Street Highland Park, CA 90065 (323) 635-9125 www.rockrosegallery.com Visit: Rock Rose Gallery News, Instagram & Twitter
Toros Pottery 4962 Eagle Rock Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 323.344.8330 Blue Rooster Art Supply Company blueroosterartsupplies.com blue@blueroosterartsupplies.com 4661 Hollywood Blvd LA, CA 90027 (323) 302-5613 Check their web site for more information about their classes and events. Ave 50 Studio 131 No. Avenue 50 323. 258.1435 avenue50studio.org Guitar Lessons. Salsa Lessons too! Check their web site for more information for this and other classes. Center for the Arts Eagle Rock 2225 Colorado Blvd. Eagle Rock, CA 90041 info@cfaer.org (323) 561-3044 www.cfaer.org Check out their web site for a wide variety of fun classes for all ages.
A Place to Bead 2566 Mission St San Marino, CA 91108 626.219.6633 aplace2bead.com Find a variety of jewelry making classes, including stringing and wirework. Bullseye Glass 143 Pasadena Ave. South Pasadena, CA bullseyeglass.com They offer a full range of kiln forming glass classes as well as regular free artist talks. Leanna Lin’s Wonderland 5024 Eagle Rock Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 323.550.1332 leannalinswonderland.com Check Leanna’s web site for a current list of workshops and events.
Community Woodshop 3617 San Fernando Rd Glendale, CA 91204 626.808.3725 www.community woodshopla.com Please check their web site for more information and a list of classes. Stained Glass Supplies 19 Backus Street Pasadena, CA 91107 626-219-6055 Classes are ongoing Barndall Art Park 4800 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027 323.644.6295 http://www.barnsdall.org Check they’re web site for upcoming classes.
Los Angeles County Store 4333 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 / 323-928-2781 Please check their web site for a listing of all of their classes and special events. Sugar Mynt Gallery 810 Meridian Ave. South Pasadena, CA 626.222.7257 sugarmynt.com Paint and Pinot Twice a month. Check their web site for more detail. Holy Grounds Coffee & tea 5371 Alhambra Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90032 323.222.8884 Check out their workshops!
AS SHE REACHED by Linda Kaye, 2019
As she reached for that last glowering and stank cocktail thinking how many times has this matron fool sat before at this filthy bar justifyingly thinking the same dour useless curdling thoughts of wasting borrowed time The harsh sips of whiskey jolt and seer her throat a daily wicked reminder of that unlived crime of a life The sweet and also the sour of a mixed messaged drink the flat constant reminders of failed relationships gone south not fully committed detoured by unsavory adjustments to the loss of time, hair, flesh flexibility unwanted differences craving subsistence then dismantling the world weary norms that smash one in the face year after year. No love ever befell or existed as she thought it would or could The ugliness that was seen in the mirror of the past only reflected inside wedlock yet outside it deadlocked grifting towards unknown territory secreted behind the crippled lost loves of days past Those other lives soured behind them from their own broken doors living parallel-fantasized lives dreaming of the magical march to fulfillment Linda Kaye writes poetry and produces spoken word and art events throughout the NELA area. In June 2014, Linda Kaye’s production of poetry and spoken word ‘Back to the Roots, was a Call for Poetry Submissions event. This event was part of the annual Lummis Day Festival event sponsored by the Arroyo Arts Collective, Lummis Day and the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles. Her event was a tribute to the late poet and printmaker Richard Duardo that was held at the Autry’s Historic Southwest Museum. Ms. Kaye’s self-published poetry has also been featured in THE LA ARTNEWS, and her most recent chapbook, “Sexy Stuff” is currently available for purchase. Upcoming event Saturday Sept 28th at the Neutra Museum and Gallery in Silverlake in collaboration with the ArroyoArtsCollective featuring Linda Kaye and an open mic with poets and musicians. Contact for more info: www.lindakayepoetry.com Twitter/Instagram: lindakayepoetry
LA ART NEWS
PLAY MUSIC ON THE PORCH DAY
20
Play Music on the Porch Day, the international day of music begun in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles six years ago, was celebrated this year in at least 55 countries and 735 cities around the globe. The annual event, always on the last Saturday in August, was started by artist Brian Mallman. Participation is easy; one simply goes outside and plays music, then posts a bit on social media with the hashtag #playmusicontheporchday. While the concept harkens back to what may be seen as simpler times, sitting on the porch in the summer making music, it is the power of modern social media that has caused the event to become so large so fast, and that has enabled music lovers in far-flung corners of the world to experience one another’s music and even become friends. Play Music on the Porch Day has even led to an international songwriting collaboration—“Ndiyamure (Spirit)” by J.D. Wilkes and Gwevedzi Afro-Acoustic Band—bridging 10,000 miles from Harare, Zimbabwe to Kentucky, USA. The next Play Music on the Porch Day will take place August 29, 2020. www. playmusicontheporchday.com March Forth Kenya plays music on the porch
Courtesy of Tinashe King Nashe Masangudza of Zimbabwe
Monica Alcaraz at Play Music on the Porch after party in Highland Park, forging metal. Drawing by Highland Park artist Stuart Rapeport
THRIFT SHOP FINDS
Seventh in a Series by Artist Ted Meyer www.tedmeyer.com
SEPTEMBER 2019
Madam X
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BRYANFEST Five Chung King Road art galleries, dozens of artists, and hundreds of art patrons have come together this month in support of Bryan Chagolla, a 38-year old father of two, who has served as preparator and gallery director for a great many art shows. In June, the day his second daughter was born, Bryan was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer and cannot work. Gallery owners and artists are out to make sure that the family’s needs are met for the next year as Bryan receives treatment. Participating in the celebration of Bryan are: Charlie James Gallery “With a Little Help From My Friends” A large group exhibition featuring works by artists who have worked with the gallery Through October 26 Wed-Sun 12-5 p.m. 969 Chung King Road www.cjamesgallery.com Coagula Curatorial “Exquisite Heart” Individual and collaborative prints by Abel Alejandre, Karen Kinley, and Tim Youd Through September 28 Sat 1-6 p.m. closing reception & print release event by Jorge Gutierrez Sept 29 974 Chung King Road www.coagulacuratorial.com
Alex Schaefer, Exploding Wells Fargo (Phoenix) Charlie James Gallery
Aline Mare, Copper Hand Ed Ruscha, Zoot Suit Lisa Derrick Fine Arts
Lisa Derrick Fine Arts “BRYANFEST: Group Exhibit benefit for Bryan Chagolla” A large exhibit and auction Through September 28 Thurs-Sat 1-6 p.m. Closing reception & final bidding Sept 29 961 Chung King Road www.lisaderrick.com Mutmuz Gallery A pop-up from artist Chuck Swenson Through September 14 Will be open September 21 4-9 p.m. 971 Chung King Road Mike Vegas Dommermuth “Unexpected Solo Painting Show” Through September 28 Sat 12-6 p.m. 978 Chung King Road www.mikevegasart.com
Patrick Martinez, The Land of Milk and Honey 3 Charlie James Gallery
Karen Finley, Open Mind, Open Heart, Open Hand Abel Alejandre, Omega Man Tim Youd, The Boxer, (After Bonnard) Coagula Curatorial Chuck Swenson, MARRIAGE: Trump Chuck Swenson, MARRIAGE: Art Chuck Swenson, MARRIAGE: Hemmingway Mutmuz
LA ART NEWS
MUSEUM LISTINGS
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September 25, 2019 - March 1, 2020
A Roundup of Arts and Culture Exhibits at L.A. Area Museums
California Heritage Museum www.californiaheritagemuseum.org
MUSEUM LISTINGS A Roundup of Arts and Culture Exhibits at L.A. Area Museums
California Science Center www.californiasciencecenter.org Dogs! A Science Tail Science in Toyland
belonging through November 3 Hammer Projects: Yunhee Min through October 27 Triple Canopy, Omniaudience through November 3 Selections from the Hammer Contemporary Collection: Meleko Mokgosi through August 18
Chinese American Museum www.camla.org Lightscapes: Re-envisioning the Shanshuihua through November 10
Heritage Square Museum www.heritagesquare.org 50 Years of History at Heritage Square through December 31
Claremont Museum of Art www.claremontmuseum.org James Strombotne: Imagine September 6, 2019 - December 1, 2019
The Huntington www.huntington.org Apariciones/Apparitions through February 10, 2019 Project Blue Boy through September 30 The Unseen World of Charles Altamont Doyle through September 23 Tang Qingnian: An Offering to Roots through September 23
A + D Museum www.aplusd.org Virtual Bauhaus September 7, 2019 - September 29, 2019 Proof & Prototype September 7, 2019 - November 24, 2019 Speculations at the EDGE September 7, 2019 - September 15, 2019 The Los Angeles Schools September 21, 2019 - November 24, 2019 American Museum of Ceramic Art www.amoca.org Chinese Bird Banquet through June 30, 2020 Juan Quezada: The Legend of Mata Ortiz through December 30 The Artists of Mettlach through July 2020 Silver Splendor: The Art of Anna Silver through August 25 Peter Pincus: Chroma through September 29 AMOCA Collects! a rotating exhibit from the permanent collection ongoing Annenberg Space for Photography www.annenbergphotospace.org WALLS: Defend, Divide, and the Divine Exploring Barriers, Real and Perceived Oct 5, 2019 - December 29, 2019 Autry Museum of the American West www.theautry.org Investigating Griffith Park ongoing On Fire: Transcendent Landscapes by Michael Scott through July 28 Indian Country: The Art of David Bradley Through January 5 Coyote Leaves the Res: The Art of Harry Fonseca through January 5 Gold at the [Au]try opens September 14 The Banning Museum www.thebanningmuseum.org The Broad www.thebroad.org Sharon Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again October 19, 2019 - February 16, 2019 Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms ongoing California African American Museum www.caamuseum.org Dust My Broom: Southern Vernacular from the Permanent Collection September 10, 2019 - February 16, 2020 Gary Simmons: Fade to Black through 2019 LA Blacksmith September 10, 2019 - February 16, 2020 Timothy Washington: Citizen/Ship September 25, 2019 - March 1, 2020 Making Mammy: A Caricature of Black Womanhood, 1840 - 1940 September 25, 2019 - March 1, 2020 Cross Colours: Blaack Fashion in the 20th Century
SEPTEMBER 2019
Craft Contemporary www.cafam.org Finding the Center: Works by Echiko Ohira September 29, 2019 - January 5, 2020 Cynthia Minet: Jacked September 29, 2019 - January 5, 2020 RAW: Craft, Commodity, and Capitalism September 29, 2019 - January 5, 2020 El Segundo Museum of Art www.esmoa.org OZ, celebration of L. Frank Baum’s book “The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz” through September 21 Queen’s & Kings: A Royal Drag Show one day only - September 21, 2019 FIDM Museum www.fidmmuseum.org 13th Art of Television Costume Design through October 26 Forest Lawn Museum www.forestlawn.com Closed for renovations Fowler Museum at UCLA www.fowler.ucla.edu Guatemalan Masks: Selections from the Jim and Jeanne Pieper Collection through October 6 On Display in the Walled City: Nigeria at the British Empire Exhibition, 1924 - 1925 September 8, 2019 - March 8, 2020 Through Positive Eyes September 15, 2019 - February 16, 2020 Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives ongoing India’s Subterranean Stepwells: Photographs by Victoria Lautman through October 20 Frederick R. Weismann Museum of Art www.arts.pepperdine.edu It’s All Black and White: Contemporary Art from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation through December 8 The Grammy Museum www.grammymuseum.org Jerry Weintraub Presents December 2019 Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Popular Music and the National Pastime through Fall, 2019 Face the Music through September 1, 2019 - January 2020 Hammer www.hammer.ucla.edu
Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles www.theicala.org No Wrong Holes: Thirty Years of Nayland Blake opening September 29 Sadie Barnett: The New Eagle Creek Saloon opening September 29 Italian American Museum of Los Angeles www.iamla.org Fantasy World: Italian Americans in Animation through January 25 J. Paul Getty Museum www.getty.edu The Getty Center: Bauhaus Beginnings through October 13 Once Again: Photographs in Series through November 10 Gordon Parks: The Flávio Story through November 10 John Martin: A New Acquisition through October 6 LA #Untutored: One from Many through September 29 Reading Between the Lines: Drawing Illustrations through September 15 Eighteenth-Century Pastel Portraits through October 13 J. Paul Getty Life and Legacy ongoing Greek and Roman Sculpture from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art ongoing An Enduring Icon: Notre-Dame Cathedral July 23-October 20 In Focus: The Camera July 30-January 5 The Getty Villa: Buried by Vesuvius, Treasures from the Villa dei Papiri through October 28 Japanese American National Museum www.janm.org At First Light: The Dawning of Asian Pacific America through October 20 Kidspace Children’s Museum www.kidspacemuseum.org LA Plaza de Cultura Y Artes www.lapca.org Linda Vallejo: Brown Belongings through January 13
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continued from page 22 La Brea Tar Pits & Museum www.tarpits.org Mammoths & Mastodons through 2019 Lancaster Museum of Art and History www.lancastermoah.org LA Painting Featured Solo Exhibition: David Allan Peters Installation: Erika Lizee Collaboration: Kaye Freeman and Amy Kaps - The Anatomy of a Painting Video Installation - Eric Minh Swenson presents Documenting LA Painting Circle of Truth Project - curated by Laura Hipke and Shane Guffogg through October 20 Los Angeles County Museum of Art www.lacma.org The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China through January 5 Beyond Line: The Art of Korean Writing June 16-September 29 Frank Stella: Selections from the Permanent Collection through September 15 Life Model: Charles White and His Students (at Charles White Elementary School) through September 15 Between the Lines: Typography in LACMA’s Collection through September 21 The Invisible Man and the Masque of Blackness July 27-November 3 Mary Corse: A Survey in Light July 28-November 11 Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust www.lamoth.org Venerated - Persecuted - Forgotten: Victims of Nazism at FC Bayern Munich July 16-October 31 MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House www.makcenter.org Marciano Art Foundation www.marcianoartfoundation.org Donna Huanca: Obsidian Ladder through December 1 Museum of Contemporary Art www.moca.org MOCA Grand
Open House: Elliott Hundley, exploring collage through September 16 40 for LA, celebrates the forty-year history of MOCA through September 16 The Geffen Contemporary The Foundation of the Museum: MOCA’s Collection through January 27 Barbara Kruger, Untitled (Questions) (1990/2018) through November, 2020 Museum of Latin American Art www.molaa.org Memento: An Anthology Exhibition by Tomas Ochoa through January 26, 2020 De Generación a Generación Annual Art Exhibition and Alter Display September 25 - November 10, 2019s Museum of Neon Art www.neonmona.org Noctambulant: New Works by David Otis Johnson opens September 14 Signs from the Permanent Collection Museum of Tolerance www.museumoftolerance.com Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org Barbara Carrasco, Sin Censura, Un Mural Recuerda L.A., A Mural Remembers L.A. ongoing Antarctic Dinosaurs through January 5 Frozen in Time: Images of Antarctica by photographer Diane Tuft through January 20 Becoming Los Angeles ongoing Spider Pavilion through December 1 Norton Simon Museum www.nortonsimon.org AIR LAND SEA: A Lithographic Suite by William Crutchfield through November 4 Pasadena Museum of History www.pasadenahistory.org Giddy Up: Children Take the Reins, exploring the world of carousel animals and childhood toys that rock, bounce, & roll through September 15
Pomona College Museum of Art www.pomona.edu/museum/ Todd Gray: Euclidean Gris Gris September 3, 2019 - May 17, 2020 AlisonSaar: Of Aether and Eathe September 1 - December 19, 2019 Skirball Cultural Center www.skirball.org Visions and Values ongoing Noah’s Ark ongoing Southwest Museum www.theautry.org/visit/mt-washington-campus Torrance Art Museum torranceartmuseum.com Gallery 1 - Sur:Biennial 5: Material Matters September 21 - November 16, 2019 Gallery 2 - To Save the Day! Superheroes in Art September 21 - November 16, 2019 University Art Museum, California State University Long Beach www.csulb.edu/university-art-museum USC Fisher Museum of Art www.fisher.usc.edu Facing Survival - David Kassan September 18 - December 7, 2019 USC Pacific Asia Museum www.pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu Follow the Box September 13, 2019 - January 26, 2020 Vincent Price Art Museum www.vincentpriceartmuseum.org Carolina Caycedo: Apariciones/Apparitions through December 21 Umar Rashid (Frohawk Two Feathers): The World You know is a Fiction. You Know We Had to Do a Remix, Right? Vignettes of the Frenglish Empire in North America (1780-1795) through December 21 Gabriela Ruiz : Full of Tears through February 15, 2020 New Voices: The 2019 Student Art Exhibition through November 2 Images of the Divine in Everyday Mexico: Ex-Votos and Retablos From the Permanent Collection ongoing
LA ART NEWS
AB5
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by Tomas J. Benitez AB5 was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday August 30, 2019. Being that this is the Labor Day time of the year, let us delve into the impact upon the arts. Going back to 2018, the State Supreme Court ruled in the Dynamex Operations West case that companies were obligated to pay workers as employees, if they met certain criteria, rather than as independent contractors. This immediately impacts groups of workers like Uber and Lyft, as well as other delivery service workers and a slew of other service oriented fields. The spirit of AB5 is to provide protection to the workers, and to corral the use of the independent contractor status by the corporations to avoid paying into taxes and benefits and keeping workers from unionizing. It also compels corporations to pay payroll taxes, social security and health benefits. The loss of revenue to the state for unpaid payroll taxes in the previous year is estimated to have been upwards of 7 billion dollars. The bill was vehemently opposed by corporations such as Uber but was passed along party lines. For the most part, most of the unions supported it. The bill, sponsored by State Assemblyperson Lorena Gonzalez, has allowed for numerous exemptions as a compromise to get onto the Governor’s desk. But over one million low paying or middle income workers will have new statutes to allow them to have better work place conditions and fair treatment of benefits. The court set a strict new test: Workers must be treated as employees, not independent contractors, if their jobs are central to a company’s core business or if the bosses direct the way the work is done. For instance, a solo plumber with his own company who is hired by a bakery to fix a leak can be an independent contractor. But a plumber working regularly for a plumbing company and sent out on jobs must be an employee. A tighter standard, the court wrote, should prevent businesses from evading “fundamental responsibilities” and engaging in a “‘race to the bottom’ ... result[ing] in substandard wages and unhealthy conditions for workers.” One of the exemptions was “fine artists”, to allow for the flexibility of artists working in the field to pursue their careers as independent contractors, which in several disciplines has been practice and has helped to reduce the cost of production and presentations for venues and other outlets. Although “fine artists” is not the ideal language, it is hoped and assumed that the definition will apply to performers and other professional artists who will seek and only get work as an independent contractor, or else face the issue of not being hired, the consequences being reduced opportunity for employment and a downturn in arts in all fields being created. Although artists deserve to be treated fairly in the workplace, most of them do not work full time and thus do not even qualify for social security and health benefits. Indeed, it is a struggle for most artists to budget themselves with their own health plan, much less pay taxes to secure long term sustenance, but the spirit of the bill, which is good and which most artists would endorse on the moral ground if nothing else, does not help the condition of employment in the arts field any more than it has been the practice in the arts. Artists have learned to be independent contractors, and it has brought with them a sense of self dependence and flexibility to their careers, although so many of us work without a parachute. Smaller arts groups, such as non-profits would also be faced with the undue burden of increased costs, and frankly may not be able to pay artists as employees. For that reason, the California Arts Advocates, (I am a member of that board), worked hard to change the language in the bill to include a broader definitions for arts/artists exemptions, but was not successful. However, we will continue to work to amend the bill in the coming year, to be more inclusive, and at the same time support the spirit of the bill to improve the conditions of low paying workers, and to organize, good and worthy goals for all workers. (Tomas Benitez was born and raised in front of a TV set in East L.A. His film SALSA: The Movie was produced in 1988. He has also written for Fred Roos, Starz Encore Films, CBS, and several other producers. In recent years he has written extensively about East Los Angeles including an ongoing, online saga about his home life, titled “The Gully”. Several of his stories about East L.A. and The Gully have been published by Blue Heron in an anthology of new American fiction, and he is editing two additional collections to be published soon. Tomas is the former Executive Director of Self Help Graphics & Art.)
On the cover:
Yeu Q Nguyen Pussy Grab, life-size tape and cellophane sculpture with painted plastic hand, 2019 Yeu Q Nguyen explores our emotional connection to powerful archetypes and narratives inherent in iconic symbols with her light sculptures. Pussy Grab visually reconstructs a piece of contemporary American political history and invites viewers to fully experience its emotional and symbolic impact. More intense lighting condition increases the sculpture’s ability to sparkle and change colors, calling attention to the importance of keeping a constant and lively debate surround woman sexuality, identity, and rights.
SEPTEMBER 2019
25
EL VELORIO BRINGS
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DIA DE LOS MUERTOS THEMED ART AND ENTERTAINMENT TO PLAZA DE LA RAZA Two stages of live entertainment and an art exhibit featuring almost 100 noted local artists will be among the highlights of the tenth annual El Velorio Dia De Los Muertos Cultural Celebration, Saturday, October 12, at Plaza de la Raza. The diverse live entertainment line-up includes: The Main Stage, hosted by Gazoo Olmedo and featuring Los Master Plus, Subsuelo, and Mariachi Los Reyes, and the Backstage, hosted by Calipso & Mauricio Ahued and featuring DJ ChrisRox, No Where Fast band, Myk Mansun and Player WON. The annual El Velorio art exhibit has become a popular part of Los Angeles Dia de los Muertos festivities. Artists create one-of-a-kind pieces especially for the event. This year’s exhibit, curated by event producer and artist, Antonio Pelayo, and art critic and curator, Shana Nys Dambrot, will feature pieces created on wooden crosses. The event also will feature Aztec Dancers, Folklor Pasion Mexicana, a car show, and a fashion show by Loretta “Vampz” Valdez, along with a few special surprise performances. There will also be plenty of food and drink, dancing, face painting, live art, movie screenings, altars, craft vendors and more, set against the backdrop of the historic Plaza de la Raza. El Velorio Dia De Los Muertos Cultural Celebration and Art Exhibit Saturday October 12, 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Plaza de la Raza 3540 North Mission Road, Lincoln Heights Further information about El Velorio is available at www.antoniopelayoprod. com Ticket information is available at www.elvelorio.eventbrite.com
HISTORIC FLORIST IN SILVER LAKE SHOWCASES
JAPANESE AMERICAN CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMY AND CULTURE OF LOS ANGELES The contributions of Japanese Americans to the aesthetic of Los Angeles have gone under-reported and under-valued. Yet, Japanese immigrants and their descendants, through landscaping, gardening, flower cultivation, and the operation of small businesses, and despite racist laws and incarceration, shaped the look of much of what the City became in the twentieth century. The story of Tokio Florist, a now-shuttered business on Hyperion Avenue in Silver Lake, pending as a Historic Cultural Monument before the Los Angeles City Council, vividly illustrates one family’s participation across several decades in the saga of the City. According to Kristen Hayashi of the Little Tokyo Historical Society, “Tokio Florist is exemplary of a family-owned and operated business as well as a multi-generational Japanese American residence. It reflects the contributions of Japanese Americans and women in floriculture, horticulture, and agriculture, which were dominant industries in the region for decades.” Yuki Sakai was a suddenly-widowed woman with five children to support when she opened her own business on Los Feliz. Mrs. Sakai, who came from a family of flower-growers (who had for a time raised flowers on land rented on Leslie Brand’s estate in North Glendale), and her daughter Sumi Kozawa ran Tokio Florist from 1929 to 2006. According to Ms. Hayashi, the Los Feliz and Hyperion neighborhoods were once characterized by many flower stands and nurseries. Running a business was a daunting task in the face of laws prohibiting Asian-American ownership of land and some land uses, local restrictive covenants, and the Great Depression. Ms. Sakai and her entire family worked seven days a week to keep their shop afloat. They raised and sold poinsettias, carnations, gladiolas, ranunculus, and more. Famous customers included Greta Garbo, Mae West, Cecil
B. DeMille, Olivia de Havilland, Joan Fontaine, and Earle C. Anthony. But when World War II broke out, the family members were initially separated, then incarcerated together at Manzanar. They made arrangements with a neighboring operator of a flower shop and Christmas tree lot to care for their shop, and they put their belongings in storage. Yuki Sakai’s mother died on her first day in the camp. It took almost a decade after the war for the family to reestablish Tokio Florist professionally. The 1960s brought more upheaval. The nature of Los Feliz changed dramatically, and the many florists and other small businesses were forced out by large-scale development.
Further, supermarkets were selling cut flowers, and importers could circumvent environmental restrictions. Three generations of the Sakai-Kozawa family relocated both their residence and Tokio Florist to Hyperion Avenue, the site of several post World War II Asian-owned businesses. The family’s Craftsman/Tudor residence on Hyperion was built in 1911, probably designed by noted architects John and Daniel Althouse. It was originally located on South Normandie, and was moved to Hyperion in 1929. Sumi Kozawa and her husband Frank designed a Japanese Garden for customers to visit. Mrs. Kozawa’s flower-
arranging skills kept customers loyal despite the dominance of corporate growers, and she supplied local television stations and Immaculate Heart College. The rear of the Hyperion property held flat ground for growing poppies, sweet peas, coxcombs, seasonal flowers, and trees. Tokio Florist operated at this location until 2006, when Sumi Kozawa, age 90, closed it. Mrs. Kozawa passed away in 2016 at the age of 100. Although closed for 13 years, the buildings and their components remain intact at 2718 North Hyperion Avenue. Parts of the residence may be seen from the street and adjacent parking lots. A feel for what the business was may still be obtained by seeing the grounds, where the landscaping is now overgrown are but the paths, bridges, and water features remain, as does the Tokio Florist signage. A change of ownership for the property is in the works, and without the protection of Historic Cultural Monument status, the site is threatened by development. If declared a monument by the City Council, Tokio Florist will become only the eighth of well over 1,000 Historic Cultural Monuments to specifically showcase the contributions of Japanese Americans to the fabric of the City. The application to the City was prepared by the Little Tokyo Historical Society and the Los Angeles Conservancy.
Photo: Los Angeles Conservancy/ M. Rosalind Sagara
LA ART NEWS
BREAKING BREAD
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The diversity and power of food across the varied cultures of Los Angeles is the subject of an art exhibit and series of programming at Oxy Arts on York, Occidental College’s new community arts space in Highland Park. “Breaking Bread” is designed as an exploration of, “the inclusive culture of food and how it transcends conventional systems of power.” Works on exhibit include Carmen Argote’s meditation on the destruction of local crops in favor of more exportable mass market money-makers, rendered in avocado and cochineal, and April Banks’ installation dealing with the fact that, “There is always enough food, though not equally accessible to everyone.” Featured artists in “Breaking Bread” include Carmen Argote, Susu Attar, April Banks, Marisa Futernick, iris yirei hu, Phung Huynh, Jessica Rath and Akemi Ki, and The Echo Park Film Center. Event Programming: September 15 | 4pm - 6pm Afro-Brazilian Drumming, Dance, and Culinary Workshop September 20 | 7pm - 9pm Bitter Party Performance, Literary Reading, and GastroSonic Collaboration September 21 | 11am - 1pm Food Mapping with Treehouse Family Space Every Tuesday September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 4pm - 6pm Chai Chats by Tea Afar September 25 | 7pm - 9pm Broken Bread KCET Series Panel Discussion with Roy Choi and Guests September 28 | 6pm - 8pm Miry’s List New Arrival Supper Club October 9 | 7pm - 9pm The Art of Food Writing October 11 | 7pm - 9pm FLEX by Carlon October 24 & November 3 | 6pm - 8pm Head Bowls / Brain Bowls by Artist Patricia Yossen October 26 & 27 | 7pm - 9pm GO HOME: Where the Heart is. Feed My Heart. Free My Hate. November 7 | 7pm - 9pm Lecture by Sami Siegelbaum on Agnes Denes’ Seminal Work Wheatfield - A Confrontation November 9 | 1pm - 6pm Cinema Organica Super 8 Filmmaking Workshop with Echo Park Film Center November 12 | 6pm - 8pm Firmly Rooted: Chili Peppers & POC Cuisines - A Conversation and Tasting Led by Food-Based Collective Across Our Kitchen Tables November 24 | 5pm - 7pm Dining in Diaspora: Tracing the Legacy of Armenian Food in America Breaking Bread Through November
24 April Banks, the price of rice: tomorrow i wake up Oxy Arts on York hungry, 2010 4757 York Boulevard Rice, adhesive, video projection All events are free and open to the public (a few require reservations) More information may be found at www.oxy.edu/oxy-arts
SEPTEMBER 2019
Carmen Argote, A Gathering Towards, 2018 Cochineal and avocado on oil paper
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#boobs
BOOBS FOR LIFE The month of October is well-known for its breast cancer awareness campaigns and every year there are various pink ribbon events to support survivors and raise awareness. This year, artist Ted Meyer and photographer Sylvia Kouveli propose a unique event. An awareness exhibition of their collaborative work entitled #bOObs for Life that’s a compilation of visually portrayed stories about physical trauma, personal struggle, survival, and the celebration of life, with the support of the American Cancer Society. From October 8th to 20th you will be able to see bold photos of women’s chests and striking monoprints of their scars. You are invited to read their stories and be pleasantly surprised by the fact that their figure-altering scars are often a symbol of pride, resilience and strength. For years Ted painted about his own medical conditions. Then, with the advent of new drugs and a few medical procedures he found himself relatively healthy but still wanting to do artwork with a strong medical narrative. Making art from other people's scars seemed like a way to continue his medical narrative thread but change the focus to others. Through his art-making, photography and stories, Ted portrays the beauty and humor of physicality while exploring narratives of the human condition. Scarred for Life consists of artistically enhanced monoprints taken directly from the scarred skin of his subjects. Each image tells a unique story of medical crisis, resilience and healing. Sylvia’s visual work often has a social context from labour inclusion to human trafficking. Her lens now turns to societal taboos and how they can often prove detrimental to our health. She believes that by avoiding euphemisms and saying things as they are, we can better understand ourselves. There is a pool of valuable knowledge that lives within each personal experience and that can be shared through community. As such, photography and storytelling come together. Her work for breast cancer awareness in young women is a series of bold, unretouched photographs depicting the diversity of female chests. It is meant to motivate the subject, as well as the viewer, to proactively monitor their breast health. #bOObs aims to inform and educate women, regardless of their medical history, while providing a safe space for open conversation within the community, both in the studio and on social media. Ted and Sylvia met in Athens, Greece in 2016 where Ted was doing a show of his Scarred for Life monoprints. Sylvia was in the conceptualization phase of her work on #bOObs and as they spoke they found a lot of common ground that connected their work. Over time it seemed natural that Ted’s work on scars and Sylvia’s work on breast cancer awareness that sometimes included scars would make a good match. The Perfect Exposure Gallery accepted to host their joint exhibition, with the opening reception happening on October 12th from 6pm to 9pm.
During the opening night a local breast surgeon will speak about breast cancer risk in younger women, the importance of regular screenings and give some advice to people currently dealing with breast cancer. Throughout the night there will be a raffle for a scar print or a photo, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. In addition, 10% of profits from any photos sold throughout the exhibition with be donated to the American Cancer Society. Armando Arorizo, the owner of The Perfect Exposure Gallery says, “We try to show important work here at the gallery and I am thrilled to exhibit Sylvia and Ted's work, as well as work with the American Cancer Society.” Don’t miss this one of a kind event that merges art and medicine. Exhibition dates: Tuesday 8, October 2019 to Sunday 20, October 2019 Opening Reception: Saturday 12, October 2019, 6pm – 9pm Click here to find out more about the #bOObs project. Click here to see a video on the Scarred for Life project.
LA ART NEWS