State of the Art: Your Weekly Guide to LA’s Latino Art Openings

Photo: Mario Ybarra

State of The Art is Remezcla’s weekly guide to Latin art openings in your city each week. Mingle with art admirers, collectors and casual passersby to check out these new works. And don’t forget to grab a free glass of wine…or three.

Heroes and Villians — Mario Ybarra Jr.

In case you’re a spelling policer, yes the word ‘villains’ is spelled wrong in that title. As the gallery explains, Mario Ybarra Jr.’s show title actually refers to the way the word might sound in Spanish – you know, villano like when you’re talking about that really hot but really mean bad guy in a telenovela. But back to the art. Ybarra Jr. explores the bicultural experience in a series of works that references his own life and the collective experience of a youth dealing with two different cultures. The California native’s show will open November 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. so head over to the gallery to how Ybarra uses art to talk about Latino life and the American experience.

Dia de Los Muertos Bici Party Ride — Placita Olvera

It’s officially time to start the Dia de Los Muertos activities and Los Angeles seriously understands the fun in this unique day. Bust out the face paint and sugar skulls this weekend and check out a number of events throughout town. We mention some good ones, but it’s always great to keep an eye out for more. If you ride around the bike regularly, join other cycling Angelenos on November 2 at 11:30 a.m. to get your face painted and drink some tequila before heading out on a ride at 1 p.m. The group will then head to the Dia de Los Muertos celebration in Grand Park downtown, which we also have our eye on. Oh, and there will be a mobile altar involved. Just don’t down too much tequila before the ride — you will need good balance.

Downtown Dia de Los Muertos — Grand Park

If you’re celebrating Dia de Los Muertos with the whole family, consider heading Downtown for some free and fun festivities. The event will feature not only face-painting and and music — with bands and DJ collectives like Raul Y Mexia, Subsuelo, La Chamba and more — but also 40 altars from artists and groups, curated by the folks over at Self-Help Graphics. Check out altars by artists like comic strip creator Lalo Alcaraz and Consuelo Flores, well known for her Dia de Los Muertos work and elaborate altars. The celebration goes from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on November 2 so show up with your familia and some snacks for a picnic to make it an all-day affair.

Grand Park

200 N Grand Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

(213) 972-8080