Category: Chicano

Happy Halloween and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by da-AL

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da-AL and her husband in Halloween 1970s disco costumes.

Get out your candy corn and candles and costumes! It’s Halloween and Dia de los Muertos aka Day of the Dead. Do you celebrate them?

Cool Art 4 Hot Days at MOLAA by da-AL

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On these heat rash inducing days when all I want to do is take showers and more showers, it’s extra nice to look at beautiful things within a cooled museum. Every time I visit the Museum of Latin American Art, I’m rewarded with something new, fun, and thought provoking.

Little Red Riding Hood reinterpreted in plasticine by Mondogo Argentine art collective
Little Red Riding Hood reinterpreted in plasticine by Mondogo Argentine art collective

This time I went for The Portfolio Series: Mondongo Argentine show.

Mondongo Argentine art collective wolves in plasticine clothing
Mondongo Argentine art collective wolves in plasticine clothing

My art-loving mom wanted to see it, especially since she’s from there. Lo and behold, the exhibit somewhat disappointing — great but tiny!

‘Somewhat’ only — because I was delighted to see oodles of other great stuff! Dunno how MOLAA decides to publicize one thing and not another — I’ll show you what I mean.

There’re Ramiro Gómez Jr.’s showy magazine photos cleverly brought up to the reality by the insertion of the workers (hover over or tap photos for titles) …

Lorena Waiting for Her Check by Ramiro Gómez Jr.
Martin Sweeping by Ramiro Gómez Jr.
Delia Preparing Dinner by Ramiro Gómez Jr.
Fernando and the Pool by Ramiro Gómez Jr.
Camila Cleaning by Ramiro Gómez Jr.

There’s historical political art …

Sun Mad by Ester Hernandez
Sun Mad by Ester Hernandez

There’s classically gorgeous stuff …

Precisely Here by Javier Marín
Precisely Here by Javier Marín

And then there’s Luis Tapia’s work! How can it be that he’s not given a dedicated calendar event listing when MOLAA’s dedicated an entire room to his work?! Is MOLAA afraid that this little museum, so beloved by all sorts of people, will get all the more popular and they won’t be able to accommodate everyone? (Hover over or tap pix to see titles.)

Barrío Barbie by Luis Tapia
Camino de Sueños by Luis Tapia
Three Graces by Luis Tapia
Cruising Hollywood: Homage to Magu by Luis Tapia
Corazon Negro by Luis Tapia (front)
Corazon Negro by Luis Tapia (back)
Chuy con su Carga by Luis Tapia
Abuela by Luis Tapia (front)
Abuela by Luis Tapia (back)
Pachuco Way by Luis Tapia

Who’s your favorite artist?

L.A. Iconic Artist Frank Romero and Frida Kahlo at Museum of Latin American Art by da-AL

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Iconic Los Angeles artist Frank Romero has helped define Los Angeles.

Los Angeles beauty and grit are common themes in Romero's paintings.
Los Angeles beauty and injustice are common themes in Romero’s paintings.

It’s about time that he has a solo show at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA, located in Long Beach).

Now well into his 70s, Romero continues to paints every day.
Now well into his 70s, Romero still paints daily.

A long time activist, he’s a self-described visual historian and storyteller.

“Death of Rubén Salazar,” 1986, depicts the night the Los Angeles Times' first Chicano journalist was killed.
“Death of Rubén Salazar,” 1986, depicts the night the Los Angeles Times’ first Chicano journalist was killed.

I say he’s also a journalist and a feminist.

A woman shaman by Frank Romero.
A woman shaman by Frank Romero.

The fabulous museum opened in the mid-90s. Up until a few years ago, it only displayed art by Central American and South American artists. No North American art.

Los Angeles' car culture is another of Romero's frequent subjects.
Los Angeles’ car culture is another of Romero’s frequent subjects.

After decades of community pressure, a few years ago it let Latin North American art in.

Romero's reworking of artist Edward Kienholz's installation, "Back Seat Dodge '38."
Romero’s reworking of artist Edward Kienholz’s installation, “Back Seat Dodge ’38.”
Romero's depictions of old and present Los Angeles have helped define it.
Romero’s depictions of old and present Los Angeles have helped define it.

Only now has it gotten around to featuring a Chicano in a solo show. Romero is a great choice.

A more recent depiction of Los Angeles shows how Romero's style is changing. These days, he even paints in France.
A more recent depiction of Los Angeles shows how Romero’s style is changing. These days, he even paints in France.

Great things are alway going on at MOLAA. Sundays are free admission.

Just one of the many Frida Kahlo photos in MOLAA's latest ode to her.
Just one of the many Frida Kahlo photos in MOLAA’s latest ode to her.

Right now, in addition to Romero’s art, hurry over to enjoy a wonderful Frida Kahlo collection of photos and correspondence.

Museum of Latin American Art

Frank Romero in Wiki

Frank Romero in Los Angeles Times

Frida Kahlo in Wiki

A second Frida link and third Frida link.