Apr 26 2012
Urban Legends: LA’s First Public Art Exhibit and Live Auction
Graffiti art that captures the mood of the day has long played a politically influential role within the city of Los Angeles. Just this past weekend in LA, street artist Norm Maxwell presented his latest series of work,“Rising Soul,” that included a piece inspired by slain youth Trayvon Martin. When asked to describe the surrealist work titled, “The Massacre of Innocence,” Maxwell said, “It’s a shame that such a young person had to become the victim to bring [to] light that so many things are still a big issue in America as far as race, justice and equality are concerned.”
The interest in Maxwell’s “Rising Soul” may find its roots in the politically charged work pioneered by LA native and street-artist Judy Baca. As a world-renowned Chicana muralist, painter, community arts pioneer, scholar and educator, Baca uses her art as a vehicle through which to highlight inequality and injustice. She is celebrated for her evocative work that raises awareness of the history of the people who inhabited the spaces where she chooses to create her art.
Baca founded the first City of Los Angeles Mural Program in 1974, which later morphed into the community arts organization known as the Social and Public Art Resource Center, or SPARC, in 1976. Focusing on what is calls a “new public art,” SPARC continues to fund artistic endeavors in marginalized LA communities. It attempts to reach non traditional audiences including day laborers, foster youth and incarcerated adults.
Judy Baca is one of the 50+ featured artists whose work will be celebrated this Friday at the opening for “Urban Legends,” presented by the Estria Foundation, LA Art Machine, SPARC, and other local groups.
GUESTS: Judy Baca, UCLA Professor and founder and artistic director of SPARC, Estria, a graffiti artist and creative director of the Estria Foundation
Event Details:
Exhibition and Auction opening this Friday, April 27th at the LA Mart Design Center. The list of 50 plus featured artists include many pioneers of 60s and 70s revival of muralism like Baca.
Public Exhibit opening is April 28th, VIP opening exhibit night before, Friday April 27th
Free admission begins May 1st – May Day, and it runs through Saturday May 26th, 7pm – 10pm
LA Mart Design Center
1933 South Broadway
12th Floor Suite 1240, LA 90007
Click here for details about the event.
One Response to “Urban Legends: LA’s First Public Art Exhibit and Live Auction”
Great to read about Norm Maxwell – his art and storytelling is extraordinary! Looking forward to the Urban Legends Exhibit.