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Chicano Muralists in Southern California, 1968-1985 – Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art
In the history of mural paintings, Chicano artists play a huge role. Taking over walls in the city, they created – and continue to create – visually awesome, socially aware works that contribute to the beauty of public art and select, lucky neighborhoods. Photographer Elliot Barkan documented important works from the 1960s and now those snapshots will appear in a show entitled “Chicano Muralists in Southern California, 1968-1985: The First Generation of a Cultural Revolution – Through the Camera of Elliott Robert Barkan.” Head to the opening reception Saturday, February 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. to check out legendary works by muralists like Judith Baca, Gronk and more.
Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art Cal State University San Bernardino 5500 University Parkway San Bernardino, CA 92407 (909) 537-7373
Alejandro Cartagena: Carpoolers – Kopeikin Gallery
Oftentimes the camera can capture moments or scenes our eyes just pass over. Alejandro Cartagena puts his camera to exactly that use, catching passing trucks with workers sitting or lying in their truck beds. The Mexico-based photographer takes his camera to a point high above the road and catches these workers in various positions with an assortment of objects – sometimes even blankets to keep warm during the ride to work. Besides visually stunning, the photos bring awareness about Mexican workers and their conditions. The show opens Saturday, February 23 with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m.
Kopeikin Gallery 2766 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. 90034 (310) 559-0800
Comic book writer and artist Phoebe Gloeckner takes a different approach to the problem of murders of women in Ciudad Juarez – art. The well-known artist received a Guggenheim fellowship to complete a project on that topic and on February 19 at 7 PM, she brings part of that project to USC’s campus. During the free event, you can witness parts of her creation which include models of parts of Ciudad Juarez – like prisons, crime scenes – with digitally created dolls. The fascinating work proves artists can make politically conscious works – and awesome ones, at that. Head to the event to discover Gloeckner’s creativity and the power of art. Reception to follow.
USC University Park Campus Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall Doheny Memorial Library 240