Illustration: Toni Larios
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.
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On the Boulevard – Mi Vida Boutique
“Lowriding: Shots, Rides and Stories from the Chicano Soul,” is the name of a forthcoming book about – you guessed it – lowriders. No ordinary book, it will feature written submissions paired with photos of lowriders shining beneath the sun. The Chicano soul behind this book, Art Meza, frequently captures lowriders in their metal-bodied glory and this Saturday, July 13 from 7 to 11 p.m. you can see his photography firsthand at Mi Vida Boutique during the Northeast Los Angeles Art Walk. Take in the beauty of an antique Ford, a gleaming Chevrolet or just the fantastic colors of a set of vintage car lights. Frame Monster will set some prints into rad frames so that if you fall in love with one photo, you can take it home. And judging by Meza’s past photos of majestic lowriders, you better guard your heart.
Mi Vida Boutique 5159 York Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90042
Linea Actual and Art Carrillo – Avenue 50 StudioWhat separates Latino art from just regular art? You could argue it’s in the name itself – the idea of artistically expressing a culture so rich and complex you can’t confine it to one canvas or even one style. To shed light on Latino culture here in Los Angeles and in Mexico, Avenue 50 Studio will host two intriguing shows this Saturday, July 13th. Art Carrillo explores LA’s Central American neighborhood, portraying subjects such as “gangs, tattooed mother and child, taco vendors, the kids at church” in his show “La Vecindad.” No ordinary works, these photo-realistic paintings feel like intimate snapshots. Similarly, “Linea Actual” will showcase the work of seven artists from Tijuana, Mexico all expressing the culture of where they live. The show wants to change the way viewers perceive Mexico by giving a personal glance at life in that area. Head to the studio from 7 to 10 p.m. to view fantastic slices of other people’s neighborhoods – they might not seem so different from yours.
What’s the last place you’d expect an art show? Pretty much anything you answer to that, LA shoots back: yup, it’s been done. Take for example, the art show this Saturday, July 13th taking place inside of a tunnel. The idea originated from Antigua Coffee House owner Yancy who decided to turn a tunnel underneath Figueroa into an innovative gallery space. This Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. you can check out local talent ranging from names like Walt Hall to Jose Lopez to Douglas Alvarez. The roster goes on so take this opportunity to get underneath the belly of the Los Angeles art scene literally and metaphorically and see what you find. These tunnel art shows happen once a month so if you miss out on this night, keep your ears perked for the next event. At this rate, we’re expecting an art show inside a moving vehicle up next.